Gambia's police chief announced late Thursday that no protests will be permitted without prior approval, following several nights of unrest sparked by prolonged electricity outages during the hottest months of the year.

Inspector General Seedy Mukhtar Touray stated that from that moment forward, nobody is allowed to protest without an approved permit. He emphasized that no groups may converge to cause havoc or disturb the peace and tranquility of the nation, particularly at night, with any violations to be met with necessary force.

The announcement came after authorities deployed tear gas earlier in the week to disperse crowds protesting extended power cuts. The demonstrations highlighted growing public frustration with President Adama Barrow ahead of national elections scheduled for December.

During the unrest, a police post was vandalized and detainees were unlawfully released from custody, according to Touray. The national utility company, National Water and Electricity Company Ltd, reported that three of its branches were attacked, resulting in severe damage to buildings, infrastructure, and office equipment. Authorities have arrested 11 people in connection with the vandalism.

Talib Ahmed Bensouda, mayor of Kanifing Municipality and a potential opposition candidate, acknowledged in an interview that youths are frustrated by the conditions, noting the difficulty of enduring extreme heat without reliable power.

The move reinforces Gambia's existing Public Order Act requirements for permits on public processions. Officials have framed the policy as essential for maintaining stability and preventing further violence in the West African nation.