Gambian President Adama Barrow has committed to boosting the nation’s energy supply by next month in an effort to stop violent demonstrations driven by prolonged electricity outages. The move comes as the president seeks re-election in December.
Protesters set tires ablaze and erected barricades to block traffic in the capital, Banjul, and surrounding cities on Monday and Tuesday. Demonstrators are demanding Barrow’s resignation, citing the ongoing power crisis. Police responded with tear gas to disperse crowds that gathered at various sites, including near the president’s residence and the headquarters of the National Water and Electricity Corporation (NAWEC).
During a visit to a NAWEC power station, Barrow declared the blackouts a national emergency and a matter of national security. In a televised address, he announced plans to install a 24-megawatt generation machine by the end of October to address the crisis.
“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,” Barrow said. The rolling blackouts, which can last up to 48 hours in some areas, have persisted during the West African country’s hot season.
Additionally, the president revealed plans for a new 50-megawatt solar power plant, with construction set to begin shortly. NAWEC Managing Director Gallo attributed the extended power cuts partly to climate change and the geopolitical impact of the US-Israel war on Iran. In an August statement, the utility provider also cited an “unforeseen surge” in demand caused by high temperatures.
The energy crisis unfolds just months before the December presidential election, in which Barrow is running for a third term.
Solar energy is the answer, but we need immediate relief. Please deliver on that 24-megawatt promise quickly.
Tear gas against hungry voters is a dangerous sign. This could easily spiral out of control before December.
Blaming Iran? That seems like a huge stretch for local blackouts. What is the real excuse here?
It is heartbreaking that children are studying by candlelight. The government needs to act now, not later.
Politicians always promise fixes right before elections. I just want to know if these generators will actually work this time.