Protests in Gambia over frequent power outages during the hot summer days have reached a peak. Protesters in Banjul, the capital, and other nearby cities have taken to the streets at night, chanting slogans like "Barrow must go!" to protest the dire electricity situation. These power outages, which have lasted up to ۴۸ hours in some areas, have disrupted the daily lives of the people.
Barrow's Response to the Power Crisis
President Barrow, amid this chaos, referred to the power outages as "a national security issue" and "an emergency situation," stating that "the time for action has come." During a visit to the NAWEC power station in Brikama, he said, "I know the fans have stopped working, children are studying in the dark, and the heat during the day and night is unbearable." Barrow also promised that the government is installing a ۲۴-megawatt power generation machine that will be operational by the end of October ۲۰۲۶.
Promised Improvements
Barrow also mentioned new solar energy projects, stating, "A contract for a ۵۰-megawatt solar power plant in Suma has also been signed, and the contracting company is preparing the necessary resources to start work." He assured that the country's electricity situation would improve by the end of October.
These protests are a sign of the people's severe dissatisfaction with Barrow's government ahead of the December elections, in which he is running for a third term. While NAWEC attributes the power outages to increased demand and issues with electricity imports, some officials, including the company's CEO, have pointed to the impacts of climate change and the war in the Middle East on this crisis.
The Minister of Information also stated in a statement that Gambia is addressing this situation with seriousness and urgency, assuring the public that they are working tirelessly to improve the situation.
