Senegal: Further unrest possible after university officials order closure of Assane Seck campus in Ziguinchor Nov. 27 /update 1

Further student-led civil unrest is possible at or near the Assane Seck University campus in Ziguinchor through early December. Students protested at the site on Nov. 22 and launched an indefinite strike. During the Nov. 22 protests, confrontations occurred with security forces. Acts of vandalism were also reported; several vehicles were set ablaze. An unspecified number of students were injured. The students gathered to denounce various issues related to living conditions at the university and the campus. On Nov. 27, university officials ordered the closure of the Assane Seck campus. The management has also banned all student structures. Students have until 18:30 Nov. 29 to return keys and equipment. Students may gather to protest the decision around this period.

Authorities will likely maintain increased security near the Assane Seck University campus to prevent further protests. Should further student protests occur, confrontations are likely. Incidents of unrest could disrupt business operations and road travel in and near the campus. The university is located south of Ziguinchor Airport (ZIG), and there could be minor road delays to and from ZIG.