The civil society organisation says President Adama Barrow’s two-week reporting deadline has passed and is urging the government to disclose what action has been taken to address the country’s electricity crisis.
BANJUL, 23 September 2026 — The Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice (EFSCRJ) has called on President Adama Barrow to release the first public report from the Presidential Task Force on Electricity Supply, saying the deadline set by the president has passed without an update.
President Barrow announced the creation of the task force during a national address on 8 September, following nights of candlelight protests over persistent power outages. He said the body, chaired by Vice President Muhammed B.S. Jallow, would report directly to him and provide updates every two weeks.
The president also pledged that the country’s electricity supply would improve by the end of October 2026. 
EFSCRJ noted that Monday, 22 September, marked 14 days since the announcement and should have brought the task force’s first public update.
“The two weeks are up. We expect the first public update,” the organisation said in a statement issued Tuesday.
Through its NAWEC Watch initiative, EFSCRJ is monitoring developments in the energy sector and pressing for greater transparency, accountability and efficiency in the delivery of electricity services.
The organisation said Gambians have a right to know what the task force has learned about the causes of the electricity crisis, what recommendations it has made to the president and what steps the government has taken during the past two weeks.
It also wants the government to explain what progress has been made toward fulfilling Barrow’s promise to improve the electricity supply by the end of October.
EFSCRJ renewed its call for the president to publish the task force’s terms of reference and full membership. It said the public should be given clear information about the body’s mandate, composition, responsibilities, timetable and expected deliverables.
“The public should know the mandate, composition, responsibilities, timelines and deliverables of a body established to address a national crisis,” the statement said.
Persistent electricity outages have caused growing public frustration and prompted candlelight protests earlier this month. The disruptions have affected homes and businesses, while adding to concerns about the cost and reliability of essential public services.
EFSCRJ said it would continue monitoring the task force, its public updates and the government’s response to its findings.
“Public commitments must be followed by public reporting, measurable action and results,” it said.
The organisation added that reliable and affordable electricity is necessary for people’s quality of life, economic productivity, enjoyment of basic rights and the country’s sustainable development.
“Citizens deserve 24/7 reliable, accessible and affordable electricity supply,” EFSCRJ said.
