Gambia political leaders clash over electricity crisis and governance

Political tensions are rising in The Gambia as President Adama Barrow and opposition leaders clash over governance and energy security ahead of upcoming elections.

Talib Ahmed Bensouda, leader of UNITE and Coalition 2026 standard-bearer, has criticized the Barrow administration for the country’s worsening electricity crisis. Bensouda argued that the government’s heavy reliance on Senegal for power has left essential services, including hospitals and schools, vulnerable to Senegal’s own domestic energy issues. He urged the government to prioritize domestic energy security rather than depending on external sources.

In response, President Barrow has attacked the competence of his younger political rivals. During a rally, Barrow cautioned voters against electing leaders based on youth or charisma rather than experience. He specifically questioned the records of opposition leader Ousainu Darboe and Talib Bensouda, suggesting that their previous roles in public office did not demonstrate the ability to deliver necessary infrastructure or development projects.