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Student Dies As Protests Over Unpaid Financial Aid Turn Violent At Senegal’s Top University

Dakar, Senegal — A student has died during violent protests over delayed financial aid payments at Senegal’s leading university in Dakar, the government confirmed late Monday, following weeks of growing unrest on campus.

Demonstrations that began in early December over unpaid student stipends escalated into clashes between students and security forces. Tensions reached a breaking point as confrontations turned violent, with reports of property damage and injuries.

Footage verified by Reuters showed flames and thick smoke billowing from the top floor of a four-storey campus building as panicked students attempted to escape through windows. Some were seen jumping from the structure to avoid the fire.

In a statement, the Senegalese government pledged to launch a full investigation into the incident. “We pledge to conduct a thorough inquiry to determine any legal responsibility,” the statement read.

Student leaders identified the deceased as Ba, who they say suffered severe head trauma and heavy blood loss. Cheikh Atab Sagna, President of the Student Association of the Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry, claimed the student was not involved in the protests.

“He was not participating in the protests but was assaulted by police who entered student rooms before taking him to a nearby student welfare office,” Sagna alleged.

Another student leader, Serigne Saliou Fall, also confirmed the fatal injuries. Authorities in Dakar have not yet responded publicly to requests for comment regarding the allegations against security forces.

The incident has heightened tensions across the university community, with students demanding accountability, improved welfare conditions, and immediate payment of outstanding financial aid.