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Protests Rock Gambia Over Prolonged Blackout Amid Barrow’s Third-Term Bid

News Desk

Editorial Desk • Sep 8, 2026 • 1 min read

Protests Rock Gambia Over Prolonged Blackout Amid Barrow’s Third-Term Bid

Police used tear gas to disperse protesters who gathered at multiple locations in Gambia, including near President Adama Barrow’s official residence, to denounce prolonged power cuts.
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‎According to local media reports, protesters burnt tyres and erected barricades on streets, shouting, “Barrow must go!” as plumes of smoke filled the air around capital Banjul.
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‎The ‌⁠‍‍⁠⁠‌‍‍‌‍⁠⁠‌West African nation’s electricity crisis, with some residents reporting blackouts lasting up to 48 hours, comes ahead of a presidential election expected in December, with Barrow seeking a third term.
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‎In a sign of growing frustration with the government, protesters in Farato gathered outside Vice President Mohammed B.S. Jallow’s residence and destroyed banners at an office of ruling National People’s Party.
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‎A police spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment on Tuesday.
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‎Barrow was scheduled to visit facilities of the National Water and Electricity Company Ltd., the national utility, on Tuesday morning and address the nation at 8 p.m. (2000 GMT).

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