The Gambia faces severe electricity crisis and protests

The Gambia is facing a severe electricity crisis characterized by prolonged power outages lasting up to 48 hours. These shortages, driven by extreme heat, an aging grid, and rising fuel costs, have triggered violent protests in Banjul and other regions, leading to police intervention with tear gas.

President Adama Barrow has declared the energy situation a “national security problem” and an “emergency.” He has promised improvements by the end of October 2026, including the commissioning of a 24-megawatt production unit and the construction of a 50-megawatt solar plant in Soma.

Public and political figures have reacted with varying degrees of criticism. Political leaders, including Talib Ahmed Bensouda, have urged citizens to channel their frustration through voting rather than violence, while others, such as Dr. Abdoulie Bojang, have suggested legal action against the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC).

Economic debates have also emerged regarding the country's reliance on Karpowership. While former Karpowership management defended the company's reliability, critics like economist Dr. Ousman Gajigo argued that the seven-year reliance on the firm was a costly policy failure that hindered the development of permanent domestic infrastructure.