On February 24, 2026, security forces deployed tear gas at a protest inside the University Institute of Business Management (IUGE) of the University of Bangui, injuring several teachers.

The protest was led by newly trained teachers over unpaid wages. After IUGE students began filming the protest, law enforcement intervened to disperse the crowd, firing tear gas inside the university. Video footage showed chaos as students and administrative staff had to quickly evacuate classrooms.

Scholars at Risk is concerned about the use of force during a campus 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 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.facebook.com/reel/1405598227715689
https://corbeaunews-centrafrique.org/des-gaz-lacrymogenes-tires-sur-des-enseignants-a-bangui-la-pjlod-hausse-la-voix-et-reclame-des-comptes/
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