Gambia President Urges Calm as Protests Break Out Over Power Blackouts

Wed Sep 09 2026 10:05:03 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

President Adama Barrow calls for calm during widespread blackouts that sparked street unrest in Banjul, promising new generators by October.

Widespread and often prolonged power cuts in The Gambia ignited a night of protest in the capital, where demonstrators burned tyres and blocked roads. President Barrow addressed the nation, urging calm and acknowledging that the crisis is a national security emergency. He pledged to commission a 24‑megawatt unit and a 50‑MW solar plant, promising closure of shortages by the end of October. Police used tear gas to disperse crowds as the unrest heightens ahead of the December presidential election.

Gambia President Urges Calm as Protests Break Out Over Power Blackouts

Prolonged electricity outages that have stretched up to 48 hours triggered a night of protest in Banjul. Demonstrators in the capital lit tyres and marched along streets, pushing back against the frustration that has built over several months.

President Adama Barrow addressed citizens on television, reminding them that they are not alone in the darkness and pledging that power supply will improve by October. He blamed insufficient planning and maintenance within the national utility, Nawec, as the root cause of the crisis.

Barrow announced the installation of a new 24‑megawatt generating unit at Brikama power station, expected to be commissioned by the end of next month. The president also announced a contract for a 50‑megawatt solar plant in Soma, though the completion date remains unclear.

Police used tear gas to disperse crowds in the Westfield area as protestors moved toward Nawec headquarters, where chants of “Barrow must go” were heard. At the vice‑president’s home in Farato, banners at a National People’s Party office were damaged.

The unrest comes just months before a December presidential election, in which Barrow seeks a third term. Nawec chief Gallo Saidy cited reduced regional imports and lower rainfall as factors contributing to the shortages, asking the public for patience while solutions are put in place.

Barrow’s televised appeal urged citizens not to destroy public infrastructure in anger, warning that damage would divert funds from essential repairs and worsen the blackout problem.