The Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) has described the country’s prolonged power outages as a “serious national emergency” that is crippling daily life and threatening economic stability.
In a press statement issued on Friday, the opposition party expressed profound concern over the widespread and persistent electricity shortages that continue to affect millions of Gambians. The GDC warned that the crisis has moved beyond inconvenience, severely impacting households, businesses, healthcare facilities, communication networks, and the broader economy.
“Millions of dalasis are being lost daily as businesses struggle to survive under rising operational costs,” the statement noted. Families are forced to spend scarce resources on fuel and alternative water sources, while many citizens endure sleepless nights amid the unbearable hardship. The tourism sector, a vital pillar of the Gambian economy, is also suffering reputational damage due to unreliable power supply.
The GDC acknowledged that unforeseen challenges can occur in utility management but stressed that after weeks of suffering, Gambians deserve more than appeals for patience. The party called on the government and the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) to provide a full and honest account of the causes of the crisis, immediate measures to restore stable supply, and a comprehensive long-term roadmap to strengthen the nation’s energy infrastructure.
“Reliable electricity is not a luxury; it is a necessity for economic growth, quality healthcare, effective education, job creation, and national development,” the statement declared. “No country can aspire to sustainable progress while its citizens and businesses are subjected to persistent and debilitating power shortages.”
Hon. Mamma Kandeh, Secretary General and Party Leader of the GDC, signed the release, reaffirming the party’s solidarity with the Gambian people. He urged all stakeholders to place national interest above partisan concerns and commit to prudent management of public resources for a reliable and resilient energy sector.
“The suffering of Gambians must not be normalized. The people deserve solutions, and they deserve them now,” Kandeh said.
The GDC’s intervention highlights growing public frustration over the electricity crisis and adds pressure on authorities to deliver swift and transparent action.
