Saint-Louis, Senegal – Students at the Université Gaston Berger (UGB) are continuing their strike action, denouncing what they describe as a lack of response from authorities to their demands. The Coordination des Étudiants de Saint-Louis (CESL), the student representative body, confirmed the continuation of the strike on Saturday, March 21, 2026, accusing officials of “unheard of indifference.” The ongoing protest highlights growing tensions over campus conditions and student welfare at the university.
The CESL issued a statement detailing the impasse, stating that a previously delivered ultimatum to the rectorate and relevant authorities has expired without any substantial progress. This lack of engagement has prompted the student body to call for a continued mobilization, urging all students to remain outside the campus until further notice. The situation raises concerns about potential disruptions to academic schedules and the overall learning environment at UGB.
The student organization warned that if dialogue remains closed, they will activate “all of their arsenal of trade union action,” signaling a potential escalation of the protest in the coming days. While the specific actions remain undisclosed, the statement suggests a willingness to intensify pressure on university administration and government officials to address their concerns. The CESL was founded in 1994 with the opening of the UGB and operates as a syndical structure, according to information from the university itself (Université Gaston Berger).
Recent History of Student Activism at UGB
This is not the first instance of student protest at UGB. In December 2025, students suspended a previous strike following commitments from the government, as reported by Senenews. That earlier action centered around issues of wifi access, the completion of ongoing construction projects, and scholarship concerns. The CESL at that time stated they had met with the President of the National Assembly and the Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation to discuss these points.
Prior to that, in April 2022, the CESL resumed classes but simultaneously demanded the removal of the Rector and the Director of the CROUS (the regional center for student life), citing unresolved problems (PressAfrik). Students at that time also protested non-payment of scholarships, delays in infrastructure projects, and insecurity on campus.
Current Demands Remain Unclear
While the CESL’s current statement emphasizes the lack of response to previous demands, the specific issues driving this latest strike remain largely unstated. The organization has not yet publicly detailed the full scope of their grievances. Yet, the repeated focus on infrastructure, scholarships, and internet access in past protests suggests these issues likely remain central to the current dispute. A Facebook post from November 26, 2025, indicated the Rectorate of the Université Iba Der THIAM was informing students about scholarship opportunities (Facebook).
The CESL, established in 1994, has seen several presidents, including Mamadou Amadou NDIAYE and Demba BALDE (Université Gaston Berger). The current president of the session was not specified in available sources.
As the ultimatum has passed and communication remains stalled, the situation at UGB is poised for potential escalation. The coming days will be critical in determining whether dialogue can be re-established and a resolution reached, or if the student body will pursue further action. The university and student representatives have not yet announced any further meetings or negotiations.
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