A second‑year university student has died following violent clashes between police and protesters at Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar, Senegal, as student unrest over stalled scholarship payments escalated on Monday, February 9, 2026.
The victim, Abdoulaye Ba, who was studying dental medicine, lost his life during confrontations with security forces on the university campus, according to student leaders and campus associations. His death occurred amid ongoing tensions between students demanding prompt payment of stipends and authorities attempting to quell growing demonstrations.
In a statement shared by the FMPO Student Association, the president confirmed the young man’s passing, noting “he died on UCAD campus” as unrest continued. The exact circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, and no official comment has yet been released by security or administrative officials.
The protest movement has been building in recent months, with students repeatedly calling on the government to honour promised financial support. Demonstrations have frequently turned tense, with police deploying crowd‑control measures to disperse crowds.
Reactions to the tragedy have poured in from across Senegal’s academic and civic communities. Fellow students and rights groups have condemned any loss of life during protest actions, urging authorities to engage in dialogue and investigate the events leading up to the death. At the same time, some student representatives stressed the importance of peaceful advocacy, even as frustrations grow over delayed payments that many say have affected their ability to sustain studies.
As the nation mourns the loss of a young life, calls for immediate negotiations, transparent inquiry, and protection for peaceful protest continue to grow, highlighting the urgent need to address student grievances and prevent further bloodshed.
