The Dakar public prosecutor has confirmed that the recent death of a student was as a result of a fall and not from violence, following investigations conducted after clashes on campus.
The Public Prosecutor at the High Court in Dakar, Ibrahima Ndoye, stated on Tuesday during a press briefing that the investigation into the death of student Abdoulaye Bâ, which occurred on 9 February at Cheikh Anta Diop University, found “no evidence of violence” inflicted on the deceased.
According to the magistrate, investigations launched immediately after clashes between students and security forces included hearings with medical personnel, security staff from the Dakar Centre for University Services (COUD), students, as well as police officials involved in maintaining order.
Material evidence was collected on the social campus, and surveillance footage and open-source videos were analysed by the Criminal Investigations Division (DIC).
The findings of the autopsy, combined with witness testimonies and video analysis, have, according to the prosecution, established “an irrefutable conclusion at this stage.” “The available evidence does not corroborate the hypothesis that violence was inflicted on Abdoulaye Bâ,” the prosecutor stressed.
The forensic report indicates that the death resulted from a “traumatic impact linked to a fall.” Based on the evidence gathered, the student allegedly attempted to escape a fire and thick smoke in his room in Pavilion F, jumping from the fourth floor before landing on the asphalt.
The prosecutor specified that roommates of the deceased stated they had not been subjected to any blows or mistreatment by defense and security forces, whom they said they did not see due to the spread of smoke and fire in the corridor.
While extending condolences to the deceased’s family and the university community, the prosecution assured the public that the investigation would continue in order to identify any potential responsibility “at any level whatsoever.”
Meanwhile, an online fundraiser launched by Senegalese citizens has raised 40 million CFA francs (approximately US$67,000) to support the student’s family.
AC/lb/as/APA