Gambian President Adama Barrow announced plans to improve energy supplies by next month in response to ongoing protests over prolonged power outages. The protests, which escalated to violence, involved demonstrators burning tires and blocking roads in the capital, Banjul, and surrounding areas on Monday and Tuesday, demanding Barrow's resignation.
In response to the unrest, police deployed tear gas to disperse crowds near Barrow's residence and the National Water and Electricity Corporation (NAWEC) headquarters. During a visit to a NAWEC power station, Barrow labeled the electricity outages as an emergency and a "national security issue." He stated that the government would install a 24-megawatt generation machine by the end of October to alleviate the situation.
Barrow acknowledged the hardships faced by citizens due to the outages, which have lasted up to 48 hours in some areas during the hot season. He also announced plans for a new 50-megawatt solar power plant that will begin construction soon.
NAWEC Managing Director Gallo attributed the prolonged electricity cuts partially to climate change and the impact of the US-Israel war on Iran. The electricity provider had previously reported an "unforeseen surge" in demand due to high temperatures. These blackouts occur just months before the presidential election in December, where Barrow is seeking a third term.