The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has confirmed the arrest and detention of 20 protesters, including four minors, during its monitoring of electricity related protests between 7 and 9 September 2026.
The Commission said the arrests were recorded across three police stations in the West Coast Region and Kanifing Municipality following protests over ongoing electricity shortages in parts of the country.
The NHRC also raised concerns over reports of attacks on law enforcement officers, pedestrians and road users, as well as the destruction of public and private property during the protests.
The Commission said the prolonged electricity shortages have affected people’s livelihoods, disrupted essential medical services and negatively impacted daily life.
It noted that while the 1997 Constitution and other regional and international human rights instruments guarantee the rights to freedom of assembly and expression, protesters are required to exercise those rights peacefully and within the law.
The NHRC also expressed concern over the deployment of security personnel in response to the protests and urged security authorities to ensure that measures taken to maintain law and order comply with the State’s human rights obligations.
The Commission called on the Ministry of Petroleum, Energy and Mines, the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) and the Executive to treat the electricity crisis with urgency and communicate immediate and long-term solutions to restore adequate power supply.
It further urged the Gambia Police Force to exercise restraint, facilitate the peaceful exercise of assembly and expression, and adhere to international human rights standards on the use of force.
The NHRC also called on protesters to exercise their rights responsibly and peacefully, warning that violence and the destruction of public or private property infringe on the rights of others.
