Malawi: Nationwide electricity shortage December 7

Event

Authorities announced on Thursday, December 7, that many areas of Malawi remain without power following declining water levels at the country’s two principal hydroelectric dams. Officials said recent rainfall was not sufficient to replenish water stores to necessary levels. Officials have not commented on when the situation is expected to improve. Blackout-related protests are not uncommon and may occur in the coming days, particularly in Lilongwe. 

Context

Power outages are a common occurrence across Malawi due to the country's reliance on hydropower. Over 90 percent of the country's electricity comes from hydroelectric dams on rivers fed by Lake Malawi. Over the last decade, low annual rainfall has reduced the water levels of Lake Malawi, which has in turn affected the dams’ electricity-generating capacity.

In addition, civil society groups claim that the regular energy shortages are in part due to poor management by the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and President Arthur Peter Mutharika.

Advice

Individuals in Malawi are advised to anticipate frequent blackouts in the coming weeks and to keep battery-operated devices fully charged whenever possible. In addition, individuals are advised to be cautious when driving or crossing streets if traffic signals are not functioning. On a more general note, anyone in or planning travel to Malawi is urged to exercise caution due to the risk of violent crime (including armed robberies, carjackings, and home invasions) and to remain particularly vigilant in urban areas and at sites popular with tourists. Lilongwe's Old Town should be avoided after nightfall. Should protests occur, individuals are advised to avoid all demonstrations, to follow all instructions issued by authorities, and to anticipate travel disruptions in affected areas.