Gambia: Scores Of Gambians Protest Widespread Power Outages In The Greater Banjul Area

Scores of Gambians took to the streets on Friday to protest persistent power outages across the Greater Banjul Area and the West Coast Region.

Some protesters held placards bearing inscriptions such as “Enough is Enough,” “We Can’t Study in Darkness,” Every home deserve electricity”, Restore our electricity and Invest in renewable energy rather than buying old generators.”

The Gambia is currently experiencing widespread power outages, with the national utility company, NAWEC, attributing the situation to generation constraints within the regional power network, which have reduced the country’s power supply by about 60MW.

Despite explanations from NAWEC and government spokespersons that the current power outages are being caused by external factors, opposition parties have rejected the claim, accusing the government of failing to manage the energy sector efficiently.

As a result of the planned protest, NAWEC reportedly suspended staff movements to and from its Head Office and tightened security measures ahead of the demonstration over the ongoing electricity and water crisis.

In an internal memo circulated to staff, NAWEC management said it had been informed of a planned demonstration related to the recent power supply situation in the Greater Banjul Area and the West Coast Region.

The utility company directed that all staff and official vehicles must enter the Head Office premises by 8:30 a.m. on Friday, after which access restrictions would be enforced.

“Field operations staff must suspend all movement to and from the Head Office from 8:30 a.m.,” the memo stated.

Management also advised all NAWEC-owned and rented vehicles to avoid protest routes and areas where demonstrations were expected to take place, particularly vehicles bearing NAWEC logos or identification.

While acknowledging the right of citizens to peaceful assembly, the company said the measures were necessary to protect staff and company assets.

“Management fully respects the right to peaceful assembly, but the safety and wellbeing of all staff remains our top priority,” the memo said. This version incorporates

“Scores of Gambians” into the opening while improving grammar, flow, and news-style readability.