In response to escalating protests over persistent power outages, Gambia’s President Adama Barrow has called for calm among the nation’s citizens. He assured them that the country is not alone in dealing with an electricity crisis, as similar issues are being faced across parts of West Africa.
Protests Erupt Over Power Cuts
Demonstrations erupted on Monday night in the capital city of Banjul and nearby areas as residents expressed their frustration over blackouts that have sometimes extended up to 48 hours. Protesters took to the streets, setting tires ablaze and blocking roads in response to the ongoing power issues.
Police resorted to using tear gas to disperse the crowds in the Westfield area as they advanced towards the headquarters of the national electricity company, Nawec. Some protesters were heard chanting for President Barrow to step down. There were also reports of damage to the ruling National People’s Party’s office in Farato.
Government Response and Future Plans
In a televised address, President Barrow acknowledged the hardships caused by the power cuts and urged citizens not to damage public infrastructure, as it would lead to further disruption and increased repair costs. He admitted there were issues with government planning and power management, labeling the outages as both a national security concern and an emergency.
President Barrow assured that the government is working to improve the power situation by the end of October. He announced the installation of a new 24-megawatt generating unit at the Brikama power station, expected to be operational by next month. Additionally, a contract has been signed for a 50MW solar power plant in Soma.
Efforts to Mitigate the Crisis
During a visit to the national energy utility facilities, President Barrow promised that new generators would arrive this week. Gallo Saidy, the head of Nawec, appealed for patience from the public, explaining that reduced electricity imports from the regional grid have contributed to the shortages. He also noted that lower rainfall this year has decreased the electricity available from the regional network.
Nawec had previously warned that unusually high temperatures had increased electricity demand, and a technical issue had affected a major generating unit. Saidy emphasized the need for patience, assuring citizens that efforts are underway to resolve the crisis.
