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2 clusters · 22 sources · 4 days · First seen · Last updated

Electricity crisis and civil unrest in The Gambia

Overview

The Gambia has entered a period of civil unrest driven by prolonged electricity blackouts, which have lasted up to 48 hours in some areas. Demonstrators in Banjul and surrounding regions have engaged in violent protests, including burning tyres and erecting barricades, while demanding the resignation of President Adama Barrow. In response, police have used tear gas to disperse crowds near the presidential residence and the National Water and Electricity Corporation (NAWEC) headquarters.

President Barrow has declared the outages a national security emergency and pledged to install a 24-megawatt generation machine by late October 2026, alongside a contract for a 50-megawatt solar plant in Soma. NAWEC officials have attributed the shortages to high seasonal temperatures, climate change, and import constraints.

Following instances of vandalism against a police post and NAWEC branches, which resulted in the closure of three offices and eleven arrests, the Inspector General of Police has banned unauthorized protests. Authorities warned that any gatherings without permits would be met with “necessary force.” The crisis occurs ahead of the December 2026 presidential elections, with opposition figures noting that the heat and economic disruption have forced citizens into the streets, though some political groups have urged citizens to seek change through the “ballot box” rather than violence.

Entities

Adama Barrow · National Water and Electricity Company Ltd · Banjul · The Gambia · Gambia

Timeline

  1. 8 days ago

    [POLITICS] 3 sources
    Gambia bans unauthorized protests following electricity crisis unrest

    Gambia has banned unauthorized protests following unrest and vandalism caused by a severe electricity crisis and high temperatures, as authorities seek to maintain order ahead of upcoming elections.

  2. 11 days ago

    [POLITICS] 20 sources
    The Gambia faces violent protests over electricity crisis

    Violent protests have erupted across The Gambia over persistent electricity blackouts. President Adama Barrow has declared a national security emergency and pledged new power infrastructure to resolve the issue

Sources

aljazeera.com · alkambatimes.com · bahamasspectator.com · bizwatchnigeria.ng · businesselitesafrica.com · caszazemljo.si · enca.com · gambiaj.com · gbcghanaonline.com · ghanamma.com · haitigazette.com · information.tv5monde.com · jamaicainquirer.com · kerrfatou.com · srnnews.com · stvincenttribune.com · thefatunetwork.com · theheritagetimes.com · thesudantimes.com · trinidadtribune.com · westafricaweekly.com · zambiamonitor.com