Load shedding and embezzlement at the Société d’Énergie du Mali (EDM): an alarming situation
Regular power cuts in the Malian capital and in localities in the interior of the country are a source of frustration for the population. These recurring power cuts are mainly due to mismanagement and embezzlement within the Société d’Énergie du Mali (EDM), a state-owned company responsible for electricity distribution in the country.
In recent months, several EDM executives, including the outgoing former general director, have been arrested and accused of “forgery and use of forgery” as well as “attack on public property”. It appears that a real mafia network has formed within the company, with fraudulent practices aimed at embezzling funds and generating illegal income.
Among the practices denounced, we find, for example, the use of diesel instead of fuel oil in generators, which generates additional costs for society. In 2022, EDM’s unjustified invoices amounted to no less than 18 billion CFA francs.
This mismanagement and embezzlement have plunged the Société d’Énergie du Mali into a precarious financial situation. It is now in debt to the tune of 600 billion CFA francs, which limits its capacity to meet the growing demand for electricity. In addition, the Malian state, facing financial difficulties, is struggling to pay EDM suppliers, which further aggravates the situation.
Faced with the growing discontent of the population who find themselves plunged into darkness because of these power cuts, the Malian government has taken matters into its own hands. The matter of the Société d’Énergie du Mali is now being managed at the highest level of the State, in the hope of putting an end to these illegal practices and rectifying the situation.
It is essential that drastic measures are taken to combat corruption within the EDM and restore public confidence. Thorough investigations must be carried out to identify all those responsible for these embezzlements and bring them to justice. In addition, it is necessary to put in place transparent and efficient management of the Société d’Énergie du Mali, in order to ensure regular and reliable electricity distribution throughout the country.
Resolving this energy crisis is crucial for the economic and social development of Mali. Electricity is an essential element for promoting the growth of businesses, improving the living conditions of citizens and access to basic services such as education and health. It is time for concrete measures to be taken to end this devastating situation and allow Mali to progress towards a stable and prosperous energy future.