Inspector General of Police Seedy Mukhtar Touray announced that, effective immediately, no public demonstration may take place without an approved permit, citing the recent protests over electricity cuts.

Touray warned that anyone holding a protest without following the permit requirements will be met with necessary force, emphasizing that peaceful expression is not a crime but violence will not be tolerated.

Police have arrested 11 people in connection with vandalism of a police post and attacks on three NAWEC branches during the September 7‑8 demonstrations.

Background to the electricity‑cut protests

The unrest was triggered by rolling blackouts, with some areas experiencing outages lasting up to 48 hours, as the hot season drove electricity demand beyond the utility’s capacity.

NAWEC reported an unforeseen surge in demand during the peak period and a technical fault affecting a major generating unit, worsening the supply crisis.

President Adama Barrow visited NAWEC facilities after the protests and announced that new generators would arrive within the week, an additional 24‑megawatt machine is being installed, and a contract for a 50‑megawatt solar power plant has been awarded.

What organisers must do under the new rule

Under the Public Order Act, organisers must apply for a permit that specifies the protest’s route and timing; failure to obtain approval can result in police intervention.

Authorities have stressed that any night‑time convergence or actions that disturb the nation’s peace will be dealt with decisively.