EFSCRJ Warns Against Criminalising Electricity Protests

By Dawda Baldeh

The Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice (EFSCRJ) has called on the government and security authorities to respect citizens’ constitutional right to peaceful protest amid continuing demonstrations over The Gambia’s electricity crisis.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Centre said it had been monitoring nightly protests that began in Banjul on September 8 before spreading to parts of the Kanifing Municipality and West Coast Region.

EFSCRJ said citizens have a legitimate basis to demand answers over persistent electricity failures, citing concerns about “inefficiency, mismanagement, and corruption” at NAWEC, alongside inadequate oversight by responsible institutions.

“The Centre stands with the people of The Gambia in their legitimate demand for reliable electricity services and accountability,” it said.

However, the rights organisation condemned incidents of violence and property destruction, including reported damage to NAWEC outlets, Immigration Department vehicles, the NPP bureau in Busumbala, and the burning of tyres and waste on public roads.

“Such acts are unacceptable and must be condemned,” EFSCRJ stated.

The Centre also criticised Information Minister Dr Ismaila Ceesay over what it described as hostile commentary towards protesters and sections of the media, warning against portraying the entire protest movement through the actions of a minority.

EFSCRJ further raised concerns about the deployment of heavily armed police officers and the use of tear gas.

“The responsibility of the Police is not simply to control protests but also to protect the right to peaceful assembly,” it said, urging the Inspector General of Police, Seedy Mukhtar Touray, to exercise restraint.

The Centre also challenged the IGP’s reported assertion that protests require permits, arguing that the law does not impose a blanket permit requirement on every peaceful assembly.

Meanwhile, EFSCRJ said it was aware of 20 people reportedly detained at various police stations and allegedly denied access to lawyers.

It urged authorities to ensure detainees receive legal assistance and called on protesters to remain peaceful.

“Peaceful protest is not a crime. It is a fundamental democratic right,” the Centre said.