Title: “The postponement of the reopening of Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar arouses the anger of students”
Introduction :
The management of the famous Cheikh Anta Diop University (UCAD) in Dakar recently announced a new postponement of the reopening of the campus, initially planned for the month of November. This decision caused an outcry among the 85,000 students, already frustrated by the prolonged closure of the establishment since last June. In this article, we will discuss the reasons given by management to justify this postponement, as well as the students’ reactions to this situation.
Postponing the reopening: renovation work and safety arrangements
According to UCAD management, this further postponement of the reopening is mainly due to the need to carry out renovation work and security arrangements on the campus. These measures aim to improve the living conditions of students and ensure their safety within the establishment. However, students question this explanation, pointing out that this work could have been carried out during the prolonged closure of the university.
Student anger: “We are the future of this country”
Faced with this new postponement, students are expressing their frustration and anger. Ala Khane, president of the association of the faculty of letters and human sciences, says that the academic year must be saved by all means, stressing that students are the future of the country. It highlights the contrast with other regions of the world facing conflicts, such as Ukraine, where universities remain open. Students are calling for nationwide mobilization and blocking of education to make their voices heard.
The dispersal of the student press conference
To express their dissatisfaction, the students organized a press conference on the UCAD campus. However, this was quickly interrupted by the intervention of the police, who used tear gas to disperse the students. This violent reaction sparked even more indignation and determination among students, strengthening their desire to make their voices heard and defend the student cause.
Conclusion :
The postponement of the reopening of Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar has caused a wave of anger and frustration among Senegalese students. While management cites renovation work and security arrangements, students believe that their academic year should not be sacrificed for political reasons. They pledge to mobilize and block education nationwide to assert their rights. The situation remains tense and it is essential to find common ground to allow students to continue their studies in good conditions.