Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Gambia Police Force has urged the public to remain calm and use peaceful and lawful means to express their concerns following spontaneous protests over prolonged electricity shortages that left several public facilities damaged on Monday.
The Police said they were particularly concerned about vandalism targeting police stations, NAWEC offices, and other critical national infrastructure during the demonstrations on September 7, 2026.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, September 8, the Gambia Police Force said such facilities provide essential services to communities and that damage to them could disrupt service delivery and create wider public safety and security concerns.
The Police acknowledged the concerns that prompted the protests but stressed that the right to freedom of expression must be exercised peacefully and within the law.
“The GPF therefore urges all persons to remain calm, exercise restraint, and use peaceful and lawful means to express their concerns and seek redress,” the statement said.
Ten Youths Arrested
The Police also confirmed that 10 youths were arrested at around 4 a.m. on Tuesday, September 8, following demonstrations linked to the prolonged electricity outages.
The youths were reportedly arrested by military personnel in Latrikunda before being handed over to police officers at Bundung Police Station.
The arrests followed spontaneous protests that began in Banjul on Monday evening before spreading to parts of the Greater Banjul Area and the West Coast Region.
The demonstrations were reportedly driven by growing frustration over persistent power cuts, with protesters demanding urgent action from the government to address the electricity crisis.
Police Warn Against Vandalism
The Gambia Police Force said acts of vandalism, arson, and destruction of public and private property committed during the protests constitute criminal offenses and fall outside the bounds of lawful expression.
The Police urged residents to refrain from violence, destruction of property, and any conduct that could endanger lives, disrupt essential services, or escalate tensions.
The force said it remains committed to maintaining public safety and order, protecting critical national infrastructure, and respecting the lawful exercise of fundamental rights and freedoms.
The protests come amid growing public frustration over prolonged electricity shortages across the country, particularly during the evening and night-time hours.
The Police have called for calm and responsibility as authorities deal with the fallout from Monday’s demonstrations.
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