President Adama Barrow has vowed to increase Gambia's electricity supply next month and declared prolonged outages a national security emergency after violent protests erupted in Banjul and Brusubi. He pledged a 24MW generation unit by the end of October and announced plans for a 50MW solar plant. NAWEC blamed climate-driven demand spikes and wider geopolitical pressures for the strain on the grid, with some areas enduring outages of up to 48 hours. The crisis has heightened tensions ahead of December's presidential election, in which Barrow seeks a third term.
Gambia's Barrow Vows to End Rolling Blackouts Amid Violent Protests
Demonstrators burn tyres and block a road during a protest over the country's ongoing electricity crisis and persistent power outages in Brusubi on September 8, 2026. [AFP]
Gambian President Adama Barrow has pledged to boost the country's electricity supply next month as violent protests over prolonged power outages swept the capital and nearby towns. The outages, which have left some areas without power for up to 48 hours during the hot season, have sparked public anger as voters head toward a December presidential election in which Barrow is seeking a third term.
Protesters set tyres alight and erected barricades that blocked roads in Banjul and Brusubi, demanding Barrow's resignation. Police used tear gas to disperse crowds gathered at multiple locations, including near the presidential residence and the headquarters of the National Water and Electricity Corporation (NAWEC), the state utility responsible for the country’s power supply.
During a visit to a NAWEC power station, Barrow declared the outages an emergency and described them as a "national security issue." In a nationwide address he said the government would install a 24-megawatt generation unit by the end of October to help stabilize supply and reduce rolling cuts.
"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, describing the daily hardships caused by the outages. He also announced plans for an additional 50-megawatt solar power plant, with construction due to begin soon.
NAWEC Managing Director Gallo said the prolonged cuts were partly driven by climate-related demand spikes and other external pressures, including broader geopolitical tensions that have affected fuel and supply chains. The utility said in an August statement that an "unforeseen surge" in demand, driven by high temperatures, had added to the strain on the grid.
The rolling blackouts have intensified public frustration ahead of the December election, and the government faces pressure to deliver quick improvements. Barrow's promise of a new generator and a major solar installation aims to provide relief, but observers note questions remain about timelines, financing and longer-term grid resilience.
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