Police used tear gas to disperse protesters who gathered overnight in multiple locations in Gambia, including near President Adama Barrow’s official residence, to denounce what they described as prolonged power cuts, residents and a Reuters witness said.
In and around the capital Banjul, protesters burned tyres in the street and erected barricades, shouting “Barrow must go!” as plumes of smoke filled the air, the Reuters witness said.
The West African nation’s electricity issues, with some residents reporting blackouts lasting up to 48 hours, come ahead of a presidential election expected in December in which Barrow is seeking a third term.
In a sign of growing frustration with the government, protesters in the town of Farato gathered outside the residence of Vice President Mohammed B.S. Jallow and destroyed banners at an office of the ruling National People’s Party.
A Police Spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment on Tuesday.
Barrow was scheduled to visit facilities for the national utility, National Water and Electricity Company, on Tuesday morning and address the nation.
–Reuters–
