BANJUL, Gambia — Gambian authorities have announced that demonstrations will not be permitted without official authorization following protests over prolonged electricity shortages.
Police Inspector General Seedy Mukhtar Touray said Thursday that authorities would enforce the requirement for permits for demonstrations.
The protests followed prolonged power outages during a period of extreme heat.
Police said a police post was vandalized and detainees were unlawfully released during the unrest. The National Water and Electricity Company also reported damage to several of its facilities.
Police said 11 people had been arrested in connection with the disturbances.
President Adama Barrow has promised additional electricity generation capacity to address the country’s power problems.
The government says a 24-megawatt generation unit is expected to be completed by the end of October. Authorities have also announced plans for a 50-megawatt solar power plant.
