**Gambian Leader Pledges to End Rolling Blackouts Amid Violent Protests**
Banjul, The Gambia – In response to escalating public unrest over persistent power outages, Gambian President Adama Barrow has announced plans to enhance the country's energy supply by next month. The announcement comes as protests in the capital, Banjul, and surrounding areas turned violent, with demonstrators demanding Barrow's resignation.
Protests erupted on September 5 and 6, 2026, as citizens expressed their frustration over ongoing electricity shortages that have plagued the nation. Protesters burned tires and erected barricades, obstructing traffic and drawing attention to their grievances. The demonstrations intensified near key locations, including Barrow's residence and the headquarters of the National Water and Electricity Corporation (NAWEC), the entity responsible for electricity supply in The Gambia.
In an effort to restore order, police deployed tear gas to disperse the crowds. The situation escalated as citizens voiced their anger over the rolling blackouts, which have reportedly lasted up to 48 hours in some areas, coinciding with the country's hot season. The outages have severely impacted daily life, with families struggling to cope with the heat, food spoilage, and disrupted routines.
During a visit to a NAWEC power station, President Barrow declared the electricity crisis a national emergency and a matter of national security. He acknowledged the hardships faced by citizens, 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.”
In a national address, Barrow outlined a plan to install a 24-megawatt generation machine by the end of October, a move aimed at alleviating the energy crisis. Additionally, he announced the upcoming construction of a 50-megawatt solar power plant, which is expected to further bolster the country's energy capacity.
NAWEC's Managing Director, Gallo, attributed the prolonged electricity cuts to a combination of factors, including climate change and an "unforeseen surge" in demand due to soaring temperatures. He also referenced external geopolitical issues, notably the ongoing conflict involving the US and Israel in relation to Iran, as contributing factors to the energy challenges.
The power outages and subsequent protests come at a critical time for President Barrow, who is seeking re-election in the upcoming December presidential elections. The public's dissatisfaction with the current administration's handling of the energy crisis poses a significant challenge to his campaign.
As the government works to address the immediate concerns surrounding electricity supply, the situation remains fluid, with citizens closely monitoring the administration's actions in the coming weeks. The promise of improved energy infrastructure is seen as a crucial step in restoring public confidence and quelling the unrest that has emerged in response to the ongoing crisis.
The Gambian government is now under pressure to deliver on its commitments, as the population awaits tangible improvements in their daily lives amid the sweltering heat and uncertainty surrounding the upcoming elections.