HRF condemns the Senegalese police’s brutal assault on the country’s top public university and its violent suppression of student protests, which have caused the death of a student and injured dozens. HRF calls for justice and accountability for police violence and the release of detained student union leaders.
On Monday, riot police with armored vehicles descended on Cheikh Anta Diop University (UCAD) and clashed with students protesting delayed financial aid. Police fired tear gas, stormed student housing, and brutalized and detained more than 100 students. One student residential building caught fire during the raid, causing occupants to jump out of windows for safety.
At least 300 students were reported injured, and Abdoulaye Ba, a medical student, later died from injuries sustained during the police assault. The regime called the death a “tragedy.” In a press conference on Tuesday, Justice Minister Yacine Fall promised accountability. Interior Minister Bamba Cissé said the raid sought to protect buildings. He presented videos purporting to show some protesters with Molotov cocktails and weapons allegedly recovered from protesters. Senegal’s education minister accused the protesting students of being under unspecified political influence.
Police released 109 students, but have detained three student union leaders accused of undermining public order. This episode of violence — which followed earlier clashes between police and students in December 2025 — is the culmination of months of student anger over unmet demands for financial aid amid broader economic hardship in Senegal.
