The social campus of Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar (UCAD) is officially closed "until further notice." This drastic decision, announced on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, by the Dakar University Social Services Center (COUD), follows a day of violence that resulted in the death of a student.

A tragedy on campus

The victim, Abdoulaye Ba , was a second-year dental surgery student. He died on Monday after clashes between security forces and students protesting for payment of their outstanding scholarships.

Faced with escalating tensions, the authorities took immediate measures:

1. Total evacuation: Students must leave the premises without leaving any luggage.
2. Psychological support: A listening service has been set up to support the student community.
3. Condolences: The Coud expressed its compassion to the family of the deceased.

Serious accusations of "police torture"

While the government has remained vague about the exact circumstances of the tragedy, the Medical School Students' Association presents a much darker version of events. According to the association:

“Abdoulaye Ba was not a protester. He was in his room when the security forces illegally invaded the student residence.”

The organization claims the young man was tortured in his room before being released with severe injuries. He reportedly died from extensive bleeding after being taken to the medical ward. At this stage, no independent source has been able to confirm these allegations of targeted police violence.

A social climate under high tension

This latest tragedy is part of a recurring cycle of protest in Senegal. Delays in the payment of university scholarships are a constant point of contention between young people and the state, exacerbated by a deep economic crisis .

The closure of the country's largest university marks a turning point in this crisis, as student anger is likely to intensify in the face of the uncertainty surrounding the death of their classmate.