Gambia Police Restrict Protests Without Permits

Gambia’s police chief has announced that further protests will not be allowed without approved permits following recent demonstrations over prolonged power cuts during the hottest months in the country.

Inspector General of Police Seedy Mukhtar Touray said late Thursday that anyone seeking to protest or gather must obtain a permit from the authorities. He warned that violations would be met with “necessary force”.

The protests have highlighted public frustration ahead of presidential elections scheduled for December.

Touray said a police post was vandalised during unrest earlier in the week and detainees were unlawfully released from custody. National Water and Electricity Company Ltd (NAWEC) also said it had closed three branches after attacks damaged buildings, infrastructure and office equipment.

Authorities have arrested 11 people in connection with vandalism during the unrest, Touray said.

NAWEC said on August 15 that it was experiencing an unforeseen increase in electricity demand during the peak period, which it attributed to high temperatures.

President Adama Barrow visited NAWEC facilities on Tuesday and said the country would receive new generators during the week, with electricity expected to be restored by the end of October.

Barrow said the government was also at the final stage of installing an additional 24-megawatt generation machine. He added that a contract had been awarded for a 50-megawatt solar power plant.

The government has not provided further details on the conditions or duration of the new protest restrictions.

SOURCE: Reuters