Senegal: Nationwide student protests continue May 24 /update 3

Event

A national strike by public university students continues as of Thursday, May 24. The indefinite strike, organized to protest the killing of a student by security forces, has been ongoing since May 15. On Thursday morning, striking students staged rallies at universities in Saint Louis, Ziguinchor, and Dakar. Further protests are scheduled to take place throughout the day in various cities across the country, and potentially into the coming days.

According to local sources, Thursday’s demonstrations have so far remained peaceful. However, clashes between demonstrators and security forces cannot be ruled out.

Context

Violent student protests broke out throughout Senegal on May 15, following the death of a student killed during clashes with security forces near Gaston Berger University in Saint Louis. The initial demonstration had been organized to demand the payment of scholarships. Protesters are now also demanding the resignation of the finance minister and the minister of higher education.

Advice

Individuals in Senegal are advised to remain vigilant, monitor the situation via local media, and avoid any form of public demonstration or public gathering due to the risk of violence.