DAKAR, Senegal — In a tragic turn of events, thousands of students at Cheikh Anta Diop University left campus this week. This followed the closure of housing after a medical student, Abdoulaye Ba, died amid protests over unpaid financial aid.
Students had gathered to voice their frustrations regarding delays in government stipends, which many rely on to survive. Ba was reportedly not part of the protests but was severely injured by police in his dorm room, leading to his death in a nearby hospital.
The protests erupted after the university closed its cafeterias, sparking outrage among students who rely on subsidized meals. Burned cars and debris were visible on campus, reminders of the clashes with police. Recent statistics show that about 75% of Senegal’s population is under 35, highlighting the struggles of young people in this stagnant economy.
Minister of the Interior, Mouhamadou Bamba Cissé, promised an investigation into Ba’s death, acknowledging the violence from both sides during the protests. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, condemned what they describe as excessive force by the police.
The university has faced ongoing disruptions for years due to protests and financial mismanagement. Students often wait for months to receive aid averaging around 40,000 CFA francs (about $73) a month. Meanwhile, the economic landscape in Senegal continues to worsen, especially for the youth.
Many students felt a sense of betrayal from the government, particularly after promises made during the campaign of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, who was once viewed as a champion for student rights. Khadija Ndiaye, a second-year history student, expressed her disillusionment, saying, “We fought for change, but now we’re just left fighting for our survival.”
Ibrahima Diatta, a 23-year-old who supports his family through his stipend, echoed similar sentiments. “We thought they were different. Now it feels like they’ve turned their backs on us,” he noted. This discontent isn’t just isolated; social media shows a growing hashtag movement among students voicing their struggles, indicating a broader sentiment of frustration and urgency for change.
David Célestin Faye, a professor’s union leader, linked the student’s unfortunate death to the ongoing turmoil within the education system and called for the government to prioritize student welfare. “Senegal has a responsibility to treat students as an investment, not a burden,” he stated.
As the situation continues to evolve, students remain hopeful yet cautious, demanding accountability and change from their leaders who they feel have strayed from their promises.
For those looking to understand the complex dynamics involved, recent reports from sources like the World Bank highlight the growing economic struggle within Senegal, as youth unemployment remains a pressing issue. Connections between the government’s financial policies and student experiences could lead to significant discussions on reform. More information can be found in this World Bank report on Senegal.
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Associated Press, AP Education, AP World news
