Coalition 2026 flagbearer Talib Ahmed Bensouda has promised to overhaul The Gambia’s electricity sector, accusing President Adama Barrow of failing to resolve the country’s persistent power crisis.

Speaking at the Coalition 2026 rally in Brikama, Bensouda said repeated electricity shortages had damaged businesses and placed an unnecessary burden on Gambians.

“We have brought light to Brikama and removed Barrow’s darkness here,” he told supporters.

Bensouda, who is also leader of United Party, said he had branded President Barrow “Barrow blackout” because of what he described as the government’s failure to fix the country’s electricity problems since 2017.

“He couldn’t even fix NAWEC’s power problem. That’s why I named him Barrow blackout,” Bensouda said.

He said a Coalition 2026 government would take a fundamentally different approach to the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC).

“When we come to power, we will liberalise NAWEC and sell it to those who can operate efficiently,” he said.

Bensouda also claimed President Barrow had sought assistance from neighbouring countries over the electricity crisis.

He said Barrow went to Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye for help, but was told Senegal itself was facing electricity challenges.

He similarly claimed that Guinean authorities, led by Mamady Doumbouya, also told Barrow that Guinea had its own electricity problems.
Bensouda did not provide details of the alleged discussions.

The Coalition 2026 candidate said addressing the electricity crisis would be among the priorities of his administration if elected.

By Adama Makasuba