Nominated Member of the National Assembly, Fatoumatta K. Jawara, has called on Gambians to remain calm and patient as the country grapples with widespread electricity outages, describing the current power crisis as a “minor issue” compared to the peace and democratic stability the nation has achieved.
Speaking during the third and fourth ordinary sessions of the National Assembly, Jawara commended Gambians for their patience and peaceful response to the ongoing electricity shortages. She urged citizens to allow authorities time to find a lasting solution, stressing that the preservation of peace and stability must remain the country’s foremost priority.
The lawmaker strongly condemned the recent vandalism of the National People’s Party-political bureau during protests over electricity shortages. While acknowledging the right of citizens to demonstrate, she warned that protests must remain within the confines of the law, cautioning against the destruction of political party offices and government institutions.
She also criticised some parliamentarians for joining protesters in the streets, arguing that lawmakers should use the National Assembly as a platform to represent citizens and contribute to finding solutions to national problems. Jawara urged politicians to avoid actions that could escalate tensions between protesters and security personnel, noting that such confrontations would not help resolve the electricity crisis.
Recalling similar demonstrations in 2017, when youths occupied the Westfield area over power shortages, Jawara said The Gambia has endured significant challenges and is still in the process of healing. She emphasised that peace and stability are essential as authorities work to address the current electricity situation.
Her comments come amid growing public frustration over prolonged power outages across the Greater Banjul Area, which have triggered street protests and renewed calls for urgent action from the government and the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC).
The government continues to face mounting pressure to restore reliable electricity supply and provide a lasting solution to the crisis.
