Gambia Capital Calm After Protests Over Power Cuts

Relative calm returned to Gambia’s capital, Banjul, on Tuesday after overnight protests over prolonged power outages, with police using tear gas to disperse demonstrators.

Protesters gathered at several locations across the West African capital, including near President Adama Barrow’s official residence. The demonstrations came amid widespread electricity shortages, with some residents reporting blackouts lasting up to 48 hours.

The electricity problems have emerged ahead of the presidential election expected in December, in which Barrow is seeking a third term.

The president was scheduled to visit facilities operated by the National Water and Electricity Company Ltd (NAWEC) on Tuesday morning before addressing the nation at 8 p.m. local time. NAWEC said on August 15 that it was experiencing an “unforeseen surge in electricity demand during the peak period”, which was attributed partly to the high temperatures.

The utility also reported a technical problem affecting one of its major power-generating units, saying the situation would require load shedding in several parts of the country.

NAWEC had not commented on the protests as of Tuesday. Traffic in Banjul had returned to normal by Tuesday morning, while no further major disturbances were reported. The protests have added pressure on the government to address persistent electricity problems as the country approaches another election season.

SOURCE: Reuters