The Mauritanian government has established a committee to investigate a series of fires at power plants operated by the Mauritanian Electricity Company (SOMLEC). The committee, led by former Minister Kan Ousmane, was appointed on August 25, 2026, and has been given 30 days to submit its final report. The report is expected to identify the causes of the fires, assess the damage, and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The fires occurred at two power plants in Nouakchott, with the first fire hitting the eastern plant in Touguenine on Friday and the second fire affecting the northern plant in Tefreg Zine on Saturday. The incidents resulted in widespread disruptions to electricity, water, and communication services in large areas of the capital and its outskirts. The affected areas include the port of Tanit, Nouakchott International Airport, and several neighborhoods and districts.
The investigation committee has been tasked with determining the sequence of events leading up to each fire, identifying the causes, and assessing the response to the incidents. The committee will also examine potential human, technical, or organizational factors that may have contributed to the fires. Its report is expected to include recommendations for corrective and preventive measures to ensure the safety of SOMLEC's facilities and prevent similar incidents.
The committee comprises several high-ranking officials, including the Inspector General of State, Sidi Mohamed Ould Bide, and the President's advisor on energy and oil, Tal Ousmane. Other members include the head of the National Public Procurement Oversight Committee, Mohamed Al-Kori Chaine, and the energy manager at the National Industry and Mining Company (SNIM), Mohamedou Yahya Baba.
International experts from Swiss and German firms, ECG and INTEC, respectively, have also been engaged to support the investigation. Their involvement is expected to bring specialized knowledge and expertise to the inquiry. The committee's findings and recommendations will be submitted to the Prime Minister, Moktار Ould Aajay.
The recent fires have raised concerns about the reliability and safety of SOMLEC's infrastructure. The company's facilities play a critical role in providing essential services to the population, and any disruptions can have significant impacts on daily life. The investigation's outcome is expected to shed light on the causes of the fires and inform measures to mitigate such risks in the future.
The government has emphasized its commitment to ensuring the safety and reliability of the country's energy infrastructure. The investigation's recommendations are expected to contribute to this effort and help prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The report's submission is anticipated in the coming days, and its findings will likely have significant implications for SOMLEC and the broader energy sector in Mauritania.
Key points
- The investigation committee has been tasked with identifying the causes of the fires and recommending measures to prevent similar incidents.
- International experts have been engaged to support the investigation.
- The fires resulted in widespread disruptions to essential services in Nouakchott and its outskirts.
