Students at Cheikh-Anta-Diop university in Dakar, Senegal, have intensified their protests against the government's failure to provide financial aid, leading to clashes with security forces. The students have not received their study bursaries for over thirteen months, which has caused significant frustration and discontent among them. The situation, which has been escalating since early December 2025 with previous protests, reached a boiling point again on Friday when students clashed with police after the government's regional centre for university services announced the closure of all student canteens due to alleged acts of sabotage.

The protests reflect broader issues within Senegal's higher education system and the challenges students face in accessing necessary financial support for their studies. The students argue that the government has neglected their needs, forcing them to take to the streets in an attempt to draw attention to their plight. With the announcement regarding the canteens, tensions flared as students expressed their anger and frustration, leading to confrontations with police, who responded with teargas to disperse crowds.

The ongoing unrest at the university may also have implications for the wider political landscape in Senegal, as student protests have historically played a significant role in the country's socio-political movements. The government’s response to these protests and the underlying issues of financial aid will be closely monitored, as they could influence public sentiment and potential future actions from both students and authorities.