Full Breakdown
Gambia’s Power Crisis Sparks Night-Long Protests and Government Emergency Measures
9/9/2026, 10:00:05 AM
Night of Escalated Protests (September 7–8, 2026)
On the night of September 7 through September 8, 2026, thousands of Gambians gathered in Banjul and surrounding towns—including Westfield, Busumbala, Wellingara and Farato—to denounce prolonged electricity outages. Demonstrators burned tyres, erected barricades, and chanted “Barrow must go!” Police responded with tear-gas in several locations, notably near President Adama Barrow’s residence and the National Water and Electricity Company Ltd (NAWEC) headquarters. Traffic resumed in the capital by the following morning.
Background to the Energy Crisis
The rolling blackouts began in June 2026 and have intensified during the hot season. NAWEC attributes the crisis to an “unforeseen surge in electricity demand” during peak periods (statement dated August 15, 2026) and to technical problems at its generation facilities. The utility also cites fuel-supply constraints and the integration of the national grid, which makes production drops more visible across regions.
Data on Outages and Demand Surge
- Residents reported outages lasting up to 48 hours in some areas, while other reports note blackouts of 24 hours or longer.
- NAWEC’s August 15 statement linked the surge in demand to high temperatures.
Official Statements & Government Response
- President Adama Barrow declared the outages an emergency and a “national security issue” during a visit to a NAWEC power station, pledging to install a 24-megawatt generation unit by the end of October and to commence construction of a 50-megawatt solar plant “soon.”
- Barrow also announced that three new production machines were being shipped to the country and that new generators would arrive within the week.
- NAWEC Managing Director Gallo Saidy attributed the prolonged cuts partly to climate change and to the war in the Middle East, urging patience from the public.
On-the-Ground Accounts
- In Farato, demonstrators vandalised an office of the ruling National People’s Party and targeted the residence of Vice President Mohammed B.S. Jallow.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Outage duration is reported variably: some sources cite blackouts of up to 48 hours, while others mention periods of 24 hours or longer.
- The precise technical cause of the “major power-generating unit” failure on the import side remains unspecified in the available statements.
Verbatim Quote
“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,” — Adama Barrow, including near president
What’s Next
- President Barrow is scheduled to address the nation on the evening of September 8 (2000 GMT) to outline further actions.
- The promised 24-megawatt generator is slated for delivery by the end of October, and the 50-megawatt solar project is expected to begin construction in the coming months.
- The December presidential election, in which Barrow seeks a third term, will occur amid ongoing public scrutiny of the government’s handling of the electricity crisis.
