Clashes erupt at Senegal’s main university over stipends

Clashes between students and security forces at Senegal's main university intensified on Wednesday as protesters demanded stipends and other financial aid during the government's ongoing fiscal challenges.

Authorities at Cheikh Anta Diop University in the heart of the capital requested help from law enforcement to ensure safety as rock-throwing students clashed with security forces, who responded with tear gas.

The unrest comes as the West African nation struggles with a severe financial strain and a debt burden that the International Monetary Fund says is equal to 132% of its gross domestic product.

Pape Demba Niane, a third-year student at the faculty of legal and political sciences, said students were trying to engage in discussions when the police entered the campus.

"We are afraid... Several students are currently injured and the medical service is unable to cope with the influx," Niane told Reuters.

Demba Ka, president of one of the campus associations, said students had tried to hold peaceful demonstrations for 13 months without gaining attention from authorities.

"We appealed to the president of the Republic and the prime minister, who are aware that the country is unstable and that the universities are in turmoil," he said, adding that the state did not listen to their demands.

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