On November 22, 2024, students and police clashed at Assane Seck University of Ziguinchor during an on-campus protest against poor educational conditions.

The students were demanding better study conditions, the release of scholarship funds, and the completion of several university construction projects.

During the protest, a group of students set three administrative vehicles on fire. Shortly thereafter, a clash erupted between the protesters and police. Police fired tear gas and the students threw stones. Several individuals were injured during the clash.

This incident comes nearly two weeks after a similar incident at Cheikh Anta Diop University (see report).

Scholars at Risk is concerned about the use of force during a student protest. While state authorities have the responsibility to maintain order and prevent disruption, they must refrain from the disproportionate use of force and endangerment of civilians and must respect the right to freedom of association and freedom of expression. Students and members of the public also must refrain from violence, especially on campus, and also respect the right to freedom of association and freedom of expression. Such actions, beyond harming the immediate victims, have a chilling effect on academic freedom.

Sources:
*SAR identified this incident in data made publicly available by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED)
https://www.seneplus.com/education/les-etudiants-en-colere-mettent-le-feu-et-decretent-une-greve
https://senego.com/universite-assane-seck-des-etudiants-incendiaires-demandent-leurs-bourses_1774202.html
https://www.rts.sn/actualite/detail/a-la-une/violences-a-luniversite-assane-seck-de-ziguinchor-le-saes-demande-une-enquete-et-des-sanctions