The Gambia is spiraling into an energy crisis, with citizens enduring persistent blackouts that have left homes and businesses in the dark for up to 48 hours at a time.
The failure of the national utility, Nawec, to keep the lights on during the hot season triggered violent protests on Monday night, as fed-up residents took to the streets of Banjul to burn tires and block roads.
The unrest reached the doorstep of the ruling National People's Party, where banners were destroyed, and protesters chanted for President Adama Barrow to step down.
While Barrow acknowledged the 'national security issue' in a televised address, his administration’s attempt to shift blame onto regional electricity imports and weather patterns rings hollow to a public suffering from the government's clear lack of planning and maintenance.
As Barrow seeks a controversial third term in the upcoming December election, he was forced to warn citizens against destroying public infrastructure—a predictable consequence of a government that has failed to provide the most basic services.
With promises of new generators and a future solar plant, the administration is now begging for patience, but for the families left in the heat and dark, the government's excuses are running out of time.
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