Power Crisis in Mauritania: Recurring Blackouts Raise Concerns

The power crisis in Mauritania has returned to the spotlight as repeated electricity outages disrupt daily life in Nouakchott, the capital. According to Madar’s report on 27 October 2026, several neighbourhoods experienced blackouts, including parts of Tiarett following a transformer fire on 26 October. The Mauritanian Electricity Company (SOMELEC) attributed the fire to electrical overload and high temperatures. Although emergency teams controlled the fire, the incident has renewed concerns about the reliability of the country’s electricity supply.

The latest outages follow major transformer fires in August 2026, which left parts of Nouakchott and nearby communities without electricity for several days. On 9 October, Channels Television reported that some affected areas experienced blackouts lasting between three and five days. An independent investigation identified weaknesses in electrical protection, maintenance supervision and emergency response. It also linked the fires to newly installed power lines, with overheating considered the most likely cause. Meanwhile, Mauritania’s official news agency, AMI, reported on 8 October that the president had ordered the government to implement the investigation’s recommendations, including rehabilitating damaged substations and preventing similar incidents.

Mauritania now faces growing pressure to resolve its recurring power crises and restore public confidence in the electricity network. The government and SOMELEC must prioritise preventive maintenance, strengthen electrical protection systems and improve emergency response times. Although authorities have ordered corrective measures, repeated outages in October highlight the need for lasting improvements rather than temporary repairs. Reliable electricity remains essential for households, businesses and public services. Therefore, effective implementation of the planned reforms will be crucial to resolving the power crisis in Mauritania and ensuring a more stable electricity supply for residents.