Months of unreliable electricity supply have triggered growing public anger in The Gambia, with residents and businesses struggling to cope with increasingly frequent blackouts.
Some communities have reportedly spent long stretches without power, with residents complaining that the outages are disrupting work, household activities and commercial operations.
Jula Jagne, a market vendor, expressed the frustration among residents, saying people have become tired of the prolonged electricity problem.
NAWEC, the country’s National Water and Electricity Company, said the latest difficulties were caused by a combination of unusually high electricity demand during hot weather and a technical fault involving one of its major generating units.
The utility said load shedding would be necessary in several areas while efforts were made to manage the situation.
The electricity shortage has created serious problems for businesses, particularly those relying on refrigeration and electronic equipment. Households have also been forced to cope with uncertainty over when power will return.
Public anger escalated on Monday night when protesters took to the streets in different parts of the country.
In Banjul, demonstrators gathered around the official residence of President Adama Barrow. Reports said some protesters burned tyres and erected road barricades while chanting demands for the president to leave office. Security forces responded with tear gas.
Another protest was reported in Farato, where demonstrators gathered close to the residence of Vice President Mohammed B.S. Jallow and targeted an office linked to the ruling National People’s Party.
Government officials have responded by acknowledging the seriousness of the situation.
Information Minister Ismaila Ceesay apologised to residents affected by the blackouts and described the protests as “deeply disconcerting.” He said authorities understood the anger and difficulties being experienced by citizens.
President Barrow subsequently visited NAWEC facilities and announced plans for new generators to arrive during the week.
The president said his administration was committed to resolving the electricity shortage and restoring reliable power by the end of October.
The crisis has also emerged at a politically sensitive moment. The Gambia is preparing for a presidential election expected in December, with Barrow seeking a third term in office.
As a result, the government’s handling of the electricity situation could have political consequences, particularly among voters who have endured repeated disruptions to basic public services.
For now, communities and businesses remain focused on whether the government’s promised measures will translate into a sustained improvement in electricity supply.
After months of living with blackouts, many Gambians are waiting for one thing: dependable power.
