A nationwide power outage struck Senegal on Thursday due to an accident at a power station in Dakar, according to the country’s utility company, Senelec.
The incident at the 90,000-volt Hann station caused disruptions across the interconnection grid, leading to a countrywide blackout.
In recent years, the U.S. has invested over $500 million to help modernise Senegal’s electricity infrastructure as part of a 2018 agreement aimed at enhancing access to reliable power.
Following a severe power crisis over a decade ago that disrupted businesses and sparked violent riots, Senegal has implemented reforms and invested significantly in improving its electricity generation and transmission infrastructure.
In 2018, the U.S. committed $550 million to a $600 million program aimed at enhancing access to affordable and reliable power, with the Senegalese government contributing $50 million.
These efforts have been part of broader measures to stabilise the country’s energy supply.
The power outage highlighted Senegal’s continuing struggles with electricity issues. A request for comment from the U.S. embassy went unanswered.
Senelec, the national utility, informed Reuters that power was slowly being restored in some areas, including parts of the capital, Dakar.
YOU MAY ALSO READ: Senegal’s President Faye dissolves opposition-led assembly, calls snap Elections for Nov. 17