Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Gambia is deploying personnel from several security services across the Greater Banjul Area as protests over the country’s worsening electricity crisis continue to spread, according to a police statement issued Thursday.
The reported deployment follows a high-level security coordination meeting held at Police Headquarters in Banjul on Thursday involving Deputy Service Chiefs and Chiefs of Operations from the various security services.
The meeting reviewed the prevailing security situation and agreed to launch a Special Joint Security Operation, bringing together personnel from the police, Gambia Armed Forces, Prisons Service, and Immigration Department.
The police said the operation is intended to increase security visibility, strengthen coordination between the services, and protect lives, property, and critical national infrastructure.
The development comes amid reports that agreed during an emergency meeting at State House on Wednesday night to deploy the country’s security forces across Greater Banjul. That reported presidential decision has not been independently confirmed.
Protests Spread Across The Kombos
The security measures come as fresh protests erupted Tuesday night in several communities in the Greater Banjul Area and the deeper Kombos.
Residents in Sukuta-Nema, Tanji, Kerr Serign, Tujereng, Jambur, and Brikama Manduar reportedly took to the streets, with tirestires burned and roads blocked in protest against prolonged power outages.
Police have used tear gas to disperse protesters as demonstrations spread to different communities.
The latest protests follow demonstrations in Banjul, the Kanifing Municipal Council area, and parts of the West Coast Region on Monday.
Barrow Promises October Improvement
The unrest has continued despite President Barrow’s national address on Tuesday, in which he acknowledged the hardships caused by the electricity crisis and admitted to shortcomings in planning and generation capacity.
Barrow said additional generating capacity is expected to come online by late October, which he said should help stabilize the national electricity grid.
He also inspected NAWEC facilities as the government sought to demonstrate its response to the crisis.
But the assurances have so far failed to calm public frustration, with residents continuing to complain about prolonged outages, extreme heat, and the impact of unreliable electricity on homes and businesses.
The police said Thursday’s joint security operation would be conducted professionally and with due regard for the rights and safety of all persons.
The security services also reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining public order and managing the current situation “in accordance with the law and established professional standards.”
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