The Senegalese government has unveiled a set of structural and preventive measures aimed at easing tensions in public universities following the death of a student during clashes at Cheikh Anta Diop University (UCAD) in Dakar.
The announcement came during a press briefing at the Prime Minister’s office, attended by ministers responsible for justice, security, defense, and higher education.
Authorities confirmed that Abdoulaye Ba, a second-year medical student, died on Monday evening amid confrontations linked to student protests.
The government extended condolences to the victim’s family and the university community, while reaffirming its determination to clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Officials said the measures, to be implemented within days, include a review of security force intervention protocols on university campuses and the creation of a permanent dialogue mechanism between students and security services.
An investigation has been launched to establish responsibilities, with assurances that any misconduct will face sanctions.
The unrest, sparked by grievances over the closure of university restaurants and proposed reforms to the scholarship system, disrupted traffic around UCAD and spread to other public universities in Saint-Louis, Thiès, and Ziguinchor.
The incident has revived painful memories of past student deaths during protests in Senegal, underscoring longstanding concerns over campus security and student welfare.
