Student Dies as Protests Escalate at Senegalese Universities
– A medical student has died following clashes between students and police at Cheikh Anta Diop University (UCAD) in Dakar, Senegal, the government announced on Tuesday. The death occurred amidst ongoing protests over delayed financial aid payments and broader concerns about the economic climate in the West African nation.
The student, identified as Abdoulaye Ba, a second-year medical student, died on Monday during unrest at UCAD, according to a statement from government spokeswoman Marie-Rose Khady Fatou Faye. The university campus reportedly resembled a “battlefield” with security forces firing tear gas into buildings and students responding by throwing stones, as evidenced by videos circulating on social media.
The student movement at UCAD accuses the government of attempting to permanently halt payments of scholarship arrears. Faye offered the government’s “deepest condolences” to Ba’s family, loved ones, and the university community, stating that an investigation will be conducted to determine the circumstances surrounding his death. She also called on all parties to exercise restraint and act responsibly.
A press conference is scheduled later today at the prime minister’s office, with the ministers of justice and interior, as well as representatives from the armed forces, expected to attend. The government has pledged to “shed full light” on the events leading to Ba’s death.
Widespread Discontent Fuels Protests
The protests are rooted in longstanding grievances over delayed financial aid and scholarship payments. Students have been demonstrating over this issue for several years, and the current unrest represents an escalation of those concerns. Students have also been protesting the closure of university canteens and reforms to scholarship policies.
The situation is not isolated to UCAD. Similar demonstrations have been reported at other public universities across Senegal, including in Saint-Louis, Thies, and Ziguinchor. At Assane Seck University of Ziguinchor (UASZ), violent clashes between students and police erupted, culminating in the arson of three vehicles belonging to the university rectorate.
Students at UASZ began an indefinite strike on Friday, protesting the delayed construction of twelve amphitheaters, a project initiated in 2015, and the non-delivery of a 1,000-bed pavilion that has been pending for two years. They are also demanding the opening of a new university restaurant, arguing that the existing facility is insufficient to meet student needs.
According to Khadim Diène, a student coordinator, the decision to disrupt classes stems from years of frustration over the lack of solutions. The protests at UASZ escalated after the announcement of the student’s death at UCAD, transforming a local demonstration into a widespread movement of solidarity and revolt.
Moussa Diallo, secretary general of the Autonomous Union of Higher Education (SAES) in Ziguinchor, expressed regret over the violence and the destruction of university vehicles, calling for an investigation to determine responsibility.
Youth Anger and Hopes for Change
The unrest comes as Senegal grapples with a difficult economic climate. Approximately 75 percent of the country’s population is under 35 years old, and the election of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye in 2024 had raised hopes for change among disadvantaged young people. Faye campaigned on a platform promising a break with the past, a message that resonated strongly with the youth.
In Dakar, the Center for University Services announced the closure of student housing facilities at UCAD from noon on Tuesday until further notice, following the clashes. The situation remains tense, with exchanges of projectiles and tear gas disrupting economic activity and traffic along major routes leading to the university.
