Ethiopia, Djibouti: Power outages in parts of eastern Ethiopia and Djibouti likely through late October

Power outages in eastern Ethiopia and parts of Djibouti will likely persist through at least late October following the theft of a power transmission tower. Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) announced a major power disruption affecting towns in eastern Ethiopia, along parts of the railway connecting Addis Ababa and Djibouti and portions of Djibouti, on Oct. 2. The incident occurred on the 230-kilovolt Kokaa-Hurso power transmission line in the Awash Fentale District of the Afar Region. Authorities estimate that restoration efforts will require more than 20 days, suggesting that the affected regions will experience a prolonged interruption in their regular electrical service.

Businesses without backup generators could temporarily suspend operations. Mobile voice and internet service disruptions are possible. The electricity disruptions could also affect ATMs and fueling stations. The blackouts could adversely affect security protocols, including alarm systems and electronic fences; opportunistic criminal activity could increase during power outages, especially during hours of darkness.