Gambia's police chief has banned all protests without permits following days of unrest over prolonged power cuts. The demonstrations, which saw a police post vandalized and detainees released, highlight public frustration with President Adama Barrow ahead of December elections.
The ban on protests and the underlying frustration over power cuts highlight political instability in Gambia ahead of presidential elections, potentially impacting investor confidence and the country's economic outlook.
Gambia's police chief announced on Thursday that no further protests would be permitted without official permits, following several nights of unrest driven by frustration over prolonged power cuts. The demonstrations, which occurred during the hottest months of the year, saw a police post vandalized and detainees unlawfully released from custody.
Inspector General of Police Seedy Mukhtar Touray stated that any violation of the new permit requirement would be met with necessary force. The national utility, National Water and Electricity Company Ltd (NAWEC), reported that three of its branches were closed due to severe damage to buildings, infrastructure, and office equipment.
Authorities have arrested 11 individuals in connection with the vandalism. Talib Ahmed Bensouda, mayor of Kanifing Municipality and a potential challenger to President Adama Barrow in the upcoming December elections, expressed understanding for the protesters' actions, citing the heat and lack of basic services.
NAWEC had previously attributed the power surge to high electricity demand during peak periods. President Barrow visited NAWEC facilities and pledged that new generators would arrive this week, with electricity restoration expected by the end of October. He also mentioned the final stages of installing an additional 24-megawatt generation machine and the awarding of a contract for a 50-MW solar power plant. Bensouda, however, criticized Barrow's reliance on energy imports.
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