In Senegal, university students have initiated a strike starting February 17, 2026, in response to ongoing tensions with authorities. This movement, led by student associations at Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar, focuses on three core demands: the release of detained fellow students, clarification about the circumstances surrounding the death of a students on campus, and the payment of outstanding scholarships. The tension stems from the recent death of a student and the arrests of three student leaders accused of damaging public and private property during protests.

The strike is expected to last for 72 hours, and it is primarily driven by a collective response to perceived injustices within the university system. The detained students have become a rallying point for their peers, with leaders Demba Ka, Waly Faye, and Bathié Fall specifically named in calls for their release. The broader backdrop to this unrest includes increasing frustrations over administrative inaction regarding scholarship delays, which have significantly impacted the student body.

This strike not only highlights the significant social and political dynamics within Senegalese universities but also raises questions about the responsibilities of the state in addressing student grievances. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to these demands and what implications this may have for future relations between students and the authorities, particularly in light of the recent events that have intensified sentiment among the youth.