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.
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.
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.
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.
A police spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment on Tuesday.
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).
(Reuters/NAN)