Autopsy shows dead Senegal student suffered multiple traumas

Incident Report: University Police Intervention in Senegal

A Senegalese student, Abdoulaye Ba, died during a police intervention at Cheikh Anta Diop University (UCAD) in Dakar. An autopsy report indicates that the cause of death was "multiple traumas" and "massive internal bleeding."

The autopsy report, widely circulated in Senegalese media, detailed multiple traumas to the chest and skull. The injuries were "complicated by massive internal bleeding," ruling out an isolated natural cause. The findings suggest a major traumatic event leading to acute cardiorespiratory failure due to multiple internal hemorrhages.

The public prosecutor stated on Saturday that the "available evidence does not corroborate the rumours of physical violence inflicted on the victim." This statement was challenged by the UCAD student association collective, which demanded clarity on the circumstances surrounding Abdoulaye Ba's death.

The collective, which organized the protests, claimed that Ba was "brutally tortured to death by the police." In response, the government acknowledged the incident as a "tragedy" and admitted to "police misconduct" while justifying the intervention by accusing students of attempting to damage university infrastructure, supported by video evidence.

The unrest was triggered by student protests demanding the payment of stipend arrears. The situation escalated, leading to clashes between students and security forces. Video footage from the scene showed security forces entering the university grounds and using tear gas, while students retaliated by throwing stones. In a verified video, police officers were seen striking a man with blunt instruments.

For further details, refer to additional sources.

Based on reporting by Africanews.