Tensions flared in the National Assembly yesterday when a heated exchange between two lawmakers nearly escalated into a physical altercation, underscoring the growing political strain over the country’s worsening electricity crisis.
The confrontation involved Banjul North representative Modou Lamin Bah and Saloum lawmaker Sainey Jawara, after Jawara accused Bah of mobilising young people to protest in front of State House against persistent power outages.
Bah reportedly led a demonstration in Banjul on Monday, which quickly spread across the Greater Banjul Area as residents voiced frustration over blackouts lasting up to 48 hours. Protesters gathered in several locations, including near the President’s official residence, demanding urgent action to address the chronic shortages.
Inside the Assembly, Jawara’s accusations sparked a fiery exchange with Bah, with tempers rising to the point where a fight nearly broke out before colleagues intervened.
Bah has defended his role in the protest, insisting it was driven by deteriorating living conditions caused by prolonged electricity and water shortages. “People are suffering, and their voices must be heard,” he reportedly told journalists after the session.
The protests have intensified pressure on the government and the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) to deliver solutions. President Adama Barrow has acknowledged the hardship and pledged urgent measures, including the arrival of new generators and expanded generation capacity, to stabilise supply.
The near clash in parliament highlights the mounting political tensions as lawmakers face growing demands from constituents for reliable power and accountability. With public patience wearing thin, the electricity crisis has become one of the most pressing challenges confronting the government
