The student protest front has flared up again. On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, the universities of Thiès and Saint-Louis paralyzed their academic activities, beginning a 48-hour strike. At the heart of the dispute: the management of scholarships and a reform of the social framework that is proving difficult to implement.

The reasons for the anger

Although situations vary from campus to campus, the common denominator remains the crux of the matter: money . Students are denouncing payment delays that they consider "untenable".

1. In Thiès: The movement is intensifying with a "no-ticket day" operation (free meals at the university restaurant). Student associations are demanding the continuation of the current allocation system and the legitimization of their representatives.
2. In Saint-Louis: While students claim they do not want to engage in an unlimited strike, they are demanding direct consultation on the overhaul of social assistance.

A climate made heavy by mourning

This mobilization did not emerge from a political vacuum. It arose within a context of high tension, marked by the recent death of a student at UCAD (Dakar) during clashes with the police. This tragedy has left deep scars, transforming each financial demand into a broader challenge to the management of university crises.

In Dakar, the pressure is also mounting: a press conference is planned for March 2 to protest the continued closure of some social housing pavilions.

A dialogue of the deaf with the authorities

Faced with public discontent, the Minister of Higher Education, Daouda Ngom , is playing the card of budgetary austerity. Before the National Assembly, he provided firm clarifications:

State's point of view	Justification
No delay	The state believes it is up to date with its official payments.
Budgetary surcharge	The shift in the academic calendar forced the payment of "extra" monthly installments, putting a heavy strain on finances.
2026 Reform	Strict harmonization is planned: 12 months of scholarships for 12 months of courses, with no overruns.

Conclusion

The gap is widening between the government's desire to balance public finances and the growing precariousness of students. For the time being, neither side seems willing to back down, raising the specter of a disrupted academic year.