Senegalese Prosecutor: Student’s Death Resulted From Fall, Not Police Violence
Dakar, Senegal – The death of a university student in Dakar has sparked protests and questions about police conduct, but authorities say the student died after falling from a fourth-story building. The case highlights growing tensions between students and law enforcement in Senegal.
According to a statement released Tuesday, February 17, 2026, by Public Prosecutor Ibrahima Ndoye, Abdoulaye Ba, a student at Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar (UCAD), “is indeed the student who jumped from the fourth floor of pavilion F and who, unfortunately, landed on the asphalt.”
“This explains the damage and other injuries observed by the forensic doctor on the body of this young student,” Ndoye told reporters. He emphasized that the investigation has found no evidence of violence inflicted upon Ba prior to his death. “Nothing establishes or confirms that he was beaten,” the prosecutor stated.
Ndoye further clarified that the “traumatic shock that caused the death originated from and was caused by the fall,” aligning with the findings of the autopsy report. Dakaractu.com reports that the prosecutor stressed the importance of the collaboration between the prosecution and medical professionals in determining the cause of death.
The prosecutor’s statements come amid reports of ongoing demonstrations and calls for justice following Ba’s death. L’Humanité notes that the incident has triggered a fresh wave of protests.
Authorities have also detained three student leaders in connection with the protests, according to RFI. The reasons for their detention have not been publicly disclosed.
Further details regarding the circumstances surrounding Ba’s death, including the events leading up to the fall, remain under investigation. Jeune Afrique reports that a leaked autopsy report is circulating in the press, but its authenticity has not been independently verified.
Seneweb.com also reported on the prosecutor’s statement.
