Senegal: President Sall agrees to new aid package for students /update 4

Event

On Monday, May 28, Senegalese President Macky Sall met with representatives of striking university students in Dakar. Following the discussions, Sall announced a new aid package that will increase the number and value of stipends available for students. The deal also reduces the cost of meal tickets in public universities. According to media reports on Wednesday, May 30, students in Saint-Louis continued to strike despite the measures. However, student union leaders in Dakar have agreed to suspend the strike until July 1 to allow the government to investigate the death of a colleague during recent protests.

Context

The students in Saint-Louis did not agree to suspend their strike, claiming that the government’s deal fails to sufficiently address their demands. A national indefinite strike was launched by students 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.