Gambia president urges calm amid violent protests over blackouts

Protesters took to the streets, burning tyres and blocking roads, with some chanting 'Barrow must go' and damaging property. Police responded with tear gas to disperse the crowds. The unrest occurs months before a presidential election in December, where Barrow is seeking a third term.

In a televised address, Barrow acknowledged the hardship caused by the blackouts, describing them as a 'national security issue' and an 'emergency'. He pledged to boost power supplies by the end of October, promising the installation of a new 24-megawatt generating unit at the Brikama power station and the awarding of a contract for a 50MW solar power plant in Soma. New generators are also expected to arrive this week.

Nawec chief Gallo Saidy cited reduced electricity imports from the regional grid and lower rainfall as contributing factors to the shortages. He appealed for patience, stating that unusually high temperatures had driven a surge in electricity demand while a technical problem had affected a major generating unit.