Senegal Reels After Student Dies During University Protests Over Delayed Financial Aid
Dakar, Senegal – A medical student at Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar died on Monday following clashes with police during protests over delayed financial aid payments, sparking outrage and leading to the closure of student residences. The unrest, which began in early December, highlights mounting frustration over Senegal’s struggling public finances.
Abdoulaye Ba, a second-year dental surgery student, succumbed to head injuries and severe blood loss, according to Cheikh Atab Sagna, president of the Student Association of the Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry. Sagna stated that Ba was not actively participating in the protests when he was reportedly assaulted by police after they entered student residences and subsequently taken to a student welfare office.
Serigne Saliou Fall, another student leader, confirmed the nature of Ba’s injuries. Police in Dakar have not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the incident.
The government confirmed Ba’s death and stated that the circumstances surrounding it are under investigation. In a statement, officials pledged to conduct a “thorough inquiry to determine any legal responsibility.” The government described the death as resulting from injuries sustained during “serious events” on campus but offered no further specifics.
Reuters-verified video footage from the scene depicts a four-story campus building engulfed in flames and thick smoke, with students attempting to escape the fire by climbing out of windows and, in some instances, jumping to the ground below. The footage underscores the intensity of the clashes between students and security forces.
The protests stem from weeks of unrest over delayed student stipends. Senegal’s current administration, which took office in April 2024, is grappling with a significant $13 billion budget shortfall, described as one of the most severe hidden debt crises in Africa. This financial strain has led to delays in state payments, including those intended for students, fueling public discontent.
The situation has escalated from on-campus demonstrations in early December to increasingly violent confrontations between students throwing stones and riot police. The death of Abdoulaye Ba represents a tragic turning point in the ongoing unrest.
The university has been closed to students as authorities investigate the incident and attempt to quell further unrest. The closure of student residences is intended to maintain order and facilitate the investigation, but it has also drawn criticism from student groups who argue it punishes the entire student body for the actions of a few.
The incident is likely to further exacerbate tensions in Senegal, where public finances are already a source of significant concern. The government faces increasing pressure to address the economic challenges and restore public trust.
