Adama Barrow promises to end power outages amid violent protests in Gambia

Gambian President Adama Barrow has promised to increase the country’s energy supply by next month, aiming to quell violent protests over ongoing power outages. The protests erupted in The Gambia's capital, Banjul, and surrounding cities on Monday and Tuesday, where demonstrators burned tires and set up barricades demanding Barrow’s resignation.

The unrest is fueled by frustration over prolonged blackouts that have persisted for up to 48 hours, coinciding with the sweltering hot season. Barrow characterized the electricity outages as a “national security issue” during a recent visit to a power station operated by the National Water and Electricity Corporation (NAWEC). His administration is under pressure as he seeks re-election in December, making the energy crisis a critical concern for voters.

In a national address, Barrow announced plans to install a 24-megawatt generation machine by the end of October and initiate construction on a 50-megawatt solar power plant. He acknowledged the impact of the blackouts on daily life, stating, “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.” NAWEC’s Managing Director cited climate change and increased demand due to high temperatures as contributing factors to the energy crisis.

The Gambian government’s response to the power shortages will be closely watched as the election approaches. Many citizens are anxious about the state of essential services, and their satisfaction with Barrow’s actions could significantly influence the electoral outcome. The situation underscores the challenges facing the administration and highlights the urgent need for sustainable solutions to the country's energy issues.