Gambiaj.com – (DAKAR, Senegal) – A student of the Cheikh Anta Diop University (UCAD) in Dakar has died amid heightened tensions and clashes on the university campus, sparking widespread outrage within the academic community.
The deceased has been identified as Abdoulaye Ba, a second-year undergraduate student (Licence 2) in dental medicine at the Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Odontology (FMPO). His death was confirmed by the president of the FMPO students’ association, Cheikh Atab Sagna, who stressed that the student died within the UCAD परिसर. “He died inside the UCAD campus,” Sagna said.
The incident occurred against the backdrop of ongoing student demonstrations at the university, driven largely by grievances over delays in the payment of scholarships and deteriorating living conditions in student residences.
These protests have in recent days led to repeated interventions by security forces on campus.
According to reports by the Senegalese media, violence erupted on Monday during confrontations between students and security personnel.
Abdoulaye Ba reportedly lost his life after being violently beaten inside his university room. The president of the FMPO students’ association, quoted by the media, alleged that the student was assaulted by security forces in his dormitory room, leading to his death.
Sources further indicated that the deceased student was an orphan, having lost his father, and was described as the sole hope of his mother.
The Government of Senegal has since reacted to the tragedy. In a statement dated Tuesday, February 10, and signed by the Secretary of State to the Prime Minister in charge of Relations with Institutions and Government Spokesperson, Marie Rose Khady Fatou Faye, the authorities expressed deep sorrow over the death of the student.
“In this painful circumstance, the Government respectfully bows before the memory of the deceased and extends its most heartfelt condolences to his family, relatives, and the entire university community,” the statement read.
The government also called on all stakeholders to exercise restraint and responsibility and to work towards calm.
The spokesperson added that the government is committed to uncovering the full truth surrounding the incident. “Attached to the manifestation of the truth and respect for the rule of law, the government undertakes that full light will be shed on the circumstances of this tragedy and that any responsibilities will be established in accordance with the laws and regulations in force,” she said.
News of Abdoulaye Ba’s death has triggered deep emotion and anger across the UCAD community, particularly within the Faculty of Medicine, where students and staff continue to mourn the loss while demanding clarity and accountability over the circumstances surrounding his death.
