Senegal: Protesting students clash with police officers in Bambey, Aug. 5

Event

Students from Alioune Diop University have clashed with police officers in Bambey Aug. 5. Students planned to block the N3 Highway in protest against conditions at the university, including lodging and food. Security officers reportedly fired tear gas and have contained the protesters inside the university building. As of late morning, the status of the N3 route is unclear.

Bambey is located 105 km (65 miles) east of Dakar.

Heightened security is likely to persist in the vicinity of the protest through Aug. 5. The protest action and security force response could result in ground travel and business operation disruptions. Further clashes between demonstrators and police are possible if protesters engage in acts of public violence, are overly disruptive or if they ignore police orders to disperse. There is an incidental threat to bystanders should any violence occur.

Advice

Avoid the protest as a standard precaution and to mitigate likely ground travel delays. Plan for road travel delays in and near the protest area. Heed instructions from the security forces.