A student has died during protests at Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar, Senegal, amid weeks of unrest over delayed financial aid.
The government has pledged to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of Abdoulaye Ba, a second-year dental surgery student.
Footage shows flames and smoke engulfing a campus building, with students jumping from windows.
The protests reflect mounting pressure from Senegal’s worsening public finances, with a $13 billion budget hole and growing public dissatisfaction.
Rights groups have condemned the “disproportionate use of force by police”, and the university has announced its closure until further notice.
The incident has sparked outrage, with some students feeling betrayed by the government.
An audit last year uncovered a larger-than-reported debt and budget deficit, and talks with the IMF remain sluggish amid growing public discontent.
