People in Niger are feeling the pinch from sanctions imposed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in response to a military coup in the country, which have resulted in longer power cuts.

Over a week ago, leaders of ECOWAS, a 15-member regional bloc, and the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) decided to impose economic and financial sanctions to Niger in response to the unconstitutional power change.

The sanctions have left the land-locked country with minimal power supply as Nigeria, whose supply accounts for 70 percent of Niger’s electricity, has cut off power supply to the country in line with the ECOWAS sanctions.

In Niger’s capital Niamey and many other cities, people are struggling to cope with the constant and long-term power outage, and streets and neighborhoods are getting used to being plunged into darkness for hours.