Feb 13 • 14:47 UTC 🌍 Africa Africanews

Senegal university crisis: Student bodies suspended after deadly unrest

Following deadly unrest related to scholarship payments, Senegal's largest university has suspended all student associations to ensure safety.

Senegal's Cheikh Anta Diop University (UCAD) has announced the suspension of all student associations after a medical student was killed during violent protests regarding delays in scholarship payments. The tragic event occurred amidst ongoing tensions between students demanding their overdue stipends and law enforcement, leading to confrontations on university grounds. The academic council expressed their sorrow over the incident while taking precautionary measures to maintain safety on campus.

The protests have been a recurring theme in Senegalese student life, with students rallying for their right to receive stipends that have been unpaid for extended periods. This week's demonstrations escalated into violence, with security forces deployed to control the situation, resulting in further chaos and unrest. Footage from the protests depicted students clashing with police, raising concerns over the safety of both students and the broader community in Dakar.

The decision to suspend student associations signifies a significant disruption within the university, which has been a platform for student activism and addressing educational grievances. The implications of this suspension could lead to a stifling of student voices and further unrest if grievances remain unaddressed. As the situation develops, the university and the government will face pressure to find a resolution to the ongoing scholarship payment issues that have fueled the unrest.

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