Saint-Louis, Senegal – Students at the University Gaston Berger (UGB) in Saint-Louis have initiated a 48-hour cessation of academic activities, beginning this Monday, to protest delays in scholarship payments and advocate for the preservation of student social benefits. The coordinated action, led by the Coordination des Étudiants de Saint-Louis (CESL), underscores growing unrest within Senegal’s public university system, a situation recently exacerbated by the death of a student at the Cheikh Anta Diop University (UCAD) in Dakar.
The CESL’s decision to halt classes reflects a deepening frustration over unpaid scholarship arrears, a problem reportedly persisting for several months. Beyond the immediate financial concerns, the student body is demanding guarantees that existing social programs – crucial for access to higher education for many Senegalese students – will not be eroded through revisions to Decree No. 2014-963, which governs student allocations. The decree, originally intended to streamline scholarship distribution, has become a focal point of contention, with students fearing potential cuts to benefits.
Student Demands Extend Beyond Financial Aid
The CESL’s platform extends beyond simply securing overdue payments. A central demand is the unconditional release of student representatives currently detained at UCAD. The circumstances surrounding the detention remain a key point of contention, with students calling for transparency and due process. The CESL is demanding a thorough investigation and accountability for the death of their fellow student at UCAD, a tragedy that has fueled the current wave of protests across the country. The organization is seeking “truth and justice” for Abdoulaye Ba, whose death has become a symbol of the challenges facing students in Senegal.
The student coordination is also insisting that any modifications to regulations impacting student welfare must involve direct consultation with student representatives. This demand highlights a broader call for greater student participation in decision-making processes that directly affect their educational experience and financial stability. The CESL argues that excluding students from these discussions undermines their rights and jeopardizes their access to higher education.
Campus Paralysis and Renewed Mobilization
The 48-hour cessation of activities has effectively paralyzed the Sanar campus, with students maintaining a heightened state of vigilance and mobilization. This tactic, known as “Journées sans ticket” (Days Without Ticket), involves a boycott of university services, including restaurants and other facilities, to disrupt normal campus operations and amplify the pressure on authorities. The CESL has warned that this initial 48-hour period is renewable, signaling a willingness to escalate the protest if their demands are not met. Seneweb reports that the CESL initially declared a 72-hour period of “Journées sans ticket,” demonstrating a commitment to sustained action.
The current unrest at UGB is part of a wider pattern of protests across Senegalese universities. In February 2026, the CESL issued a communiqué outlining its demands, emphasizing the urgency of the situation and the need for concrete responses from both university and state authorities. The organization has expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue but insists that meaningful action is required to address the underlying issues driving the protests. The potential for further disruption remains high if a resolution is not reached.
Decree No. 2014-963: A Point of Contention
Decree No. 2014-963, concerning student allocations, has become a central point of contention in the ongoing protests. While the decree aimed to standardize and improve the distribution of scholarships, students fear that revisions could lead to reduced benefits. The CESL is advocating for a “concerted and inclusive” review of the decree, ensuring that student representatives are actively involved in the process. This demand reflects a broader concern that policy changes are being implemented without adequate consideration for the impact on students’ financial well-being. The decree’s implementation and potential revisions are critical to ensuring equitable access to higher education in Senegal.
Broader Context: University Crisis in Senegal
The protests at UGB are occurring against a backdrop of broader challenges facing Senegal’s public university system. Funding constraints, aging infrastructure, and a growing student population have placed significant strain on resources. The recent death of a student at UCAD has further inflamed tensions, highlighting concerns about student safety and the responsiveness of university authorities. NDARINFO reports that the sit-in at UGB is directly linked to the circumstances surrounding the student’s death at UCAD.
The CESL’s actions are part of a larger movement demanding systemic reforms within the higher education sector. Students are calling for increased investment in universities, improved infrastructure, and greater student participation in governance. The ongoing protests underscore the urgent need for dialogue between students, university administrators, and government officials to address the challenges facing Senegal’s universities and ensure access to quality education for all.
Impact on Students and Academic Calendar
The 48-hour cessation of activities is disrupting the academic calendar at UGB, impacting students’ coursework and potentially delaying examinations. While the CESL has stated that this initial period is non-renewable, the possibility of further disruptions remains if their demands are not met. The disruption also affects university staff and faculty, who are unable to conduct classes or provide services during the protest period. The long-term impact on the academic year will depend on the outcome of negotiations between the CESL and university authorities.
The protests are also raising concerns about the financial burden on students who rely on scholarships to cover tuition, accommodation, and living expenses. Delays in scholarship payments can create significant hardship, forcing students to make difficult choices between their education and basic needs. The CESL’s demands for prompt payment of arrears are therefore critical to ensuring that students can continue their studies without facing undue financial stress.
The situation at the University Gaston Berger remains fluid. The CESL has demonstrated its commitment to sustained mobilization, and the authorities face increasing pressure to address the students’ concerns. The next few days will be crucial in determining whether a resolution can be reached and whether further disruptions to the academic calendar can be avoided. Students are expected to remain vigilant and continue to monitor the situation closely.
Next Steps: The CESL is awaiting a response from university and government officials regarding their demands. Further updates are expected in the coming days as negotiations progress. World Today Journal will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.
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