The Gambia's President Adama Barrow has appealed for calm after violent protests over prolonged power cuts erupted in Banjul on Monday night, with police firing tear gas to disperse demonstrators. The unrest, which saw tyres burned and roads blocked, highlights growing public anger over an electricity crisis that has left households without power for up to 48 hours at a time, and comes at a politically sensitive moment ahead of a presidential election expected in December in which Barrow is seeking a controversial third term.

Blackouts have persisted since June, worsening as hot-season demand has surged, and protesters marched on the offices of national utility Nawec chanting for Barrow to step down, while banners at his ruling party's office were also damaged. In a televised address, Barrow admitted failings in planning and maintenance, calling the situation a "national security issue", and pledged improvements by the end of October, including a new 24-megawatt unit at Brikama power station and a contract for a 50MW solar plant in Soma. Nawec's chief blamed reduced electricity imports from the regional grid, linked to lower rainfall, and appealed for patience from the public.