• President Adama Barrow pledges to improve power supply as protests escalate.
• Protesters in Banjul demand Barrow's resignation amid rolling blackouts.
• The Gambia experiences power outages lasting up to 48 hours during a heat wave.
• Barrow declares the blackouts a "national security issue" and promises action.
• A 24-megawatt generator and a solar power plant are planned for installation.

Gambian President Adama Barrow is facing mounting pressure from citizens demanding an end to prolonged power outages that have led to violent protests across the country. Over the past few weeks, demonstrators have blocked roads and burned tyres in the capital, Banjul, accusing Barrow of failing to address the worsening electricity crisis that has seen outages lasting up to 48 hours. During these protests, many citizens expressed their frustration, calling for Barrow to resign amidst warnings of heat-related health risks and economic losses, particularly for businesses reliant on electricity, such as fishmongers and market traders, according to aljazeera and bbc.

In response to the escalating unrest, Barrow has emphasized the urgency of the situation, categorizing the outages as a "national security issue" during a national address. He highlighted plans to install a new 24-megawatt generator at the Brikama power station by the end of October and alluded to a 50-megawatt solar power plant that is due to begin construction soon. "I know that the fans have stopped turning, children work in the dark...and the heat is unbearable by day and by night," Barrow articulated, urging citizens to remain patient as the government works to resolve the issue during this challenging period of high demand and supply challenges, as detailed in reports from bbc and africanews.

The blackouts, which have intensified as the country entered a particularly hot season, have been attributed partially to climate change and reduced electricity imports from neighboring countries like Senegal and Guinea. Local authorities have stated that high temperatures have spiked demand, further complicating the situation. As Barrow called for calm among the populace, he acknowledged both the government's planning shortcomings and the urgent need to meet the energy demands of the Gambian people, echoing sentiments shared by citizens regarding the impacts on their livelihoods, as reported by aljazeera, bbc, and africanews.