Niger power blackouts blamed on coup sanctions

Major cities in Niger are facing rolling blackouts following last week's coup in the West African country.

The power shortages are a result of Nigeria cutting supplies to its northern neighbour, Niger's electricity company Nigelec says.

The West African trading bloc Ecowas has imposed sanctions on Niger over the coup but has not said if these include electricity supplies.

Ecowas defence chiefs are meeting in Nigeria to discuss the Niger crisis.

On Sunday, West African leaders gave Niger's military junta a week to give up power or face possible military intervention. read more