Nominated National Assembly Member Fatoumatta K. Jawara has drawn attention after describing The Gambia’s ongoing electricity crisis as a “minor issue”, while calling on citizens to remain calm and condemning the vandalism of political property during recent protests.

Speaking during the third and fourth ordinary sessions of the National Assembly, Jawara said citizens had a right to express their frustration over prolonged power cuts but warned against actions that could damage public and political institutions.

“The electricity crisis is a minor issue compared to the peace and democratic stability we have achieved,” Jawara said.

Her remarks come after electricity shortages triggered street protests in parts of the Greater Banjul Area, with demonstrators demanding an urgent response to prolonged outages.

Jawara said citizens should allow the authorities time to address the problem, while stressing that demonstrations must remain within the law.

“People have the right to protest, but demonstrations must be within the confines of the law,” she said, strongly condemning the vandalism of the National People’s Party political bureau during recent protests.

She also criticised some parliamentarians who joined protesters in the streets, arguing that lawmakers have another avenue to represent public concerns.

“As parliamentarians, our responsibility is to come to the National Assembly, speak for our people and contribute to finding solutions,” she said.

Jawara warned that political leaders should avoid actions that could escalate tensions between protesters and security personnel.

She recalled electricity-related protests in 2017, when youths occupied the Westfield area over power shortages, saying the country had faced significant political difficulties since then.

“The Gambia has gone through a lot, and we are still healing,” she said.

Her comments come amid renewed public frustration over power cuts affecting communities across the Greater Banjul Area and increasing pressure on the government and the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC).

President Adama Barrow has acknowledged the difficulties facing households and committed to improving the country’s electricity supply by the end of October 2026.

By Adama Makasuba