Gambia’s police chief has ordered that no protests will be allowed without official permits after several nights of demonstrations over prolonged power outages.
Inspector General of Police Seedy Mukhtar Touray said gatherings without permits would be prohibited, warning that violations could face police action.
Authorities said a police post was vandalised during the unrest and detainees were released from custody. Eleven people have been arrested over the violence, while the national power and water utility, NAWEC, temporarily closed three branches after its facilities were damaged.
The protests have increased pressure on President Adama Barrow ahead of December elections. Barrow has promised new generators and said electricity supply should improve by the end of October.
Opposition candidate Talib Ahmed Bensouda said high temperatures and unreliable electricity had increased frustration among young people, adding that limited economic opportunities were also contributing to irregular migration to Europe.
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