Gambia's President Barrow Promises Energy Relief Amid Protests

In the face of escalating unrest over severe power outages, Gambian President Adama Barrow has vowed to enhance the nation's energy supply by next month. The announcement aims to quell protests that erupted in Banjul and surrounding areas, where demonstrators have been demanding his resignation.

Over the past few days, protesters took to the streets, setting tires ablaze and erecting barricades to express their frustration over continuous blackouts, which have persisted for up to 48 hours in certain regions. In response, police deployed tear gas to disperse crowds near key locations, including the National Water and Electricity Corporation (NAWEC) headquarters and Barrow's residence.

During a visit to a NAWEC facility, Barrow labeled the ongoing power outages as a “national security issue” and declared them an emergency. In his national address, he revealed plans for a 24-megawatt generator to be operational by the end of October, emphasizing the impact of the blackouts on daily life. “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,” he stated. Additionally, Barrow announced the forthcoming construction of a 50-megawatt solar power plant, aiming to further bolster energy supplies in the country.

NAWEC's Managing Director attributed the ongoing electricity shortages partly to climate change and the geopolitical tensions stemming from the US-Israel conflict with Iran. The electricity provider also mentioned a significant rise in demand due to the region's extreme heat as a contributing factor to the crisis, which unfolds just months before Barrow's bid for a third presidential term in December.

Source: www.aljazeera.com