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Minister Essomba Outlines Solutions to Cameroon’s Power Shortages
YAOUNDÉ, Cameroon, Jan. 14, 2025 — Cameroon’s Ministry of Water and Energy has released a statement outlining the causes of ongoing power outages and electricity shortages, which have disrupted daily life across the country.

The communiqué, signed by Minister Gaston Eloundou Essomba, attributes the crisis to a combination of climatic, financial, and operational factors.
Primary Causes of the Crisis
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Hydrological Deficits
- The Songloulou and Edéa hydroelectric power plants, key contributors to the Southern Interconnected Network, have seen a 70 MW drop in production due to insufficient water levels in reservoir dams.
- The 2024 rainy season resulted in a hydrological deficit of over 2 billion cubic meters compared to 2023, compounded by an unprecedented 50% drop in interannual flow during the dry season.
- The Memve’ele hydroelectric plant on the Ntem River, which lacks an upstream retention dam, has suffered a significant production decrease from 200 MW in November to 35 MW currently due to severe low water levels.
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Climate Change
- The ministry highlighted climate change as a key factor exacerbating water scarcity, with global repercussions impacting local hydrological systems.
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Thermal Plant Shutdowns
- The Kribi and Dibamba thermal power plants have been out of operation since September 2024 due to financial disputes. ENEO, Cameroon’s primary electricity provider, is grappling with unpaid debts to suppliers, including KPDC and DPDC.
Government Measures to Mitigate the Crisis
In response to the disruptions, the government has implemented several measures to stabilize the electricity supply:
- Optimization of Existing Production Plants: Ensuring hydroelectric and thermal plants operate at full capacity.
- Fuel Supply Reinforcement: Strengthening fuel delivery to thermal power stations connected to the Southern Interconnected Network.
- Industrial Consumption Management: Encouraging industries to reorganize and reduce electricity consumption during peak demand periods.
- Debt Resolution Negotiations: Discussions are underway to settle ENEO’s outstanding debts to key suppliers, KPDC and DPDC, to restore thermal plant operations.
Appeal for Public Understanding
Minister Essomba apologized for the inconvenience caused by the outages, describing the situation as a “case of force majeure.” He reassured the public of the government’s commitment to finding lasting solutions, emphasizing the direct involvement of President Paul Biya in addressing the crisis.
Looking Ahead
The statement reflects the government’s acknowledgment of systemic vulnerabilities in the electricity sector. While immediate measures aim to alleviate the current shortfall, long-term solutions—such as infrastructure investment, debt management, and climate adaptation—will be critical to preventing similar crises in the future.
For now, patience and public cooperation remain vital as Cameroon navigates this challenging period.
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