Gambia President Promises End to Power Cuts as Protests Escalate

Gambian President Adama Barrow has promised urgent measures to tackle the country’s worsening electricity crisis, pledging to increase power generation as protests over prolonged blackouts turn violent.

Barrow said the government would boost electricity supply by next month and described the ongoing power shortages as an emergency and a matter of national security.

The announcement followed two days of protests in the capital, Banjul, and surrounding communities, where demonstrators demanded an end to persistent electricity outages and called for Barrow’s resignation.

Protesters reportedly burned tyres and erected barricades on roads, disrupting traffic in several areas.

Police responded by firing tear gas to disperse crowds, including demonstrators who gathered near the president’s residence and the headquarters of the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC), the state electricity provider.

During a visit to a NAWEC power station, Barrow said the government was taking immediate steps to address the crisis.

He announced plans to install a 24-megawatt power-generation unit by the end of October.
“I know that the fans have stopped turning, children work in the dark, mothers throw away stale food, and the heat is unbearable by day and by night,” Barrow said in a national address.

The electricity shortages have become particularly severe during the country’s hot season, with some communities experiencing blackouts lasting as long as 48 hours.

The outages have disrupted households, businesses and other essential activities.

Barrow also announced plans for an additional 50-megawatt solar power plant, with construction expected to begin soon.

The government hopes the new facilities will significantly increase electricity availability and reduce the country’s dependence on its existing power infrastructure.

NAWEC Managing Director Gallo attributed part of the prolonged power crisis to climate-related factors and rising electricity demand during periods of extreme heat.

The company had previously said it was facing an unexpected surge in demand because of high temperatures.

The crisis has increased pressure on the Barrow administration, coming only months before The Gambia’s presidential election in December. Barrow is seeking a third term in office.

The protests highlight growing public frustration over unreliable electricity supplies in the West African country, where residents and businesses have repeatedly complained about the economic and social impact of extended power cuts.

With political tensions rising ahead of the election, the government is under increasing pressure to deliver on its promise to restore a more reliable electricity supply and prevent further unrest

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