Tensions récurrentes à l’Ucad de Dakar : une étude révèle les facteurs de conflits

A recent study by the Organisation nationale des droits de l'homme (ONDH) and the Collectif des organisations de la société civile pour les élections (COSCE) has identified a combination of economic, institutional, organizational, and relational factors as the root causes of recurrent tensions at the Université Cheikh Anta Diop (UCAD) in Dakar. The study, which was conducted from April 20 to June 22, 2026, aimed to identify the underlying causes of conflicts within the university, gather perceptions from various stakeholders, and propose mechanisms for durable prevention. The researchers recommend a comprehensive approach based on inclusive governance, permanent dialogue, and crisis prevention to strengthen social cohesion, stabilize the university climate, and preserve UCAD's reputation as a reference institution in higher education and research.

The Organisation nationale des droits de l'homme (ONDH) and the Collectif des organisations de la société civile pour les élections (COSCE) have released a study on the recurrent tensions at the Université Cheikh Anta Diop (UCAD) in Dakar. The study, which was conducted from April 20 to June 22, 2026, aimed to identify the underlying causes of conflicts within the university and propose mechanisms for durable prevention.

The Université Cheikh Anta Diop (UCAD) has been plagued by recurrent tensions in recent years. The study, which was conducted by the Organisation nationale des droits de l'homme (ONDH) and the Collectif des organisations de la société civile pour les élections (COSCE), aimed to identify the underlying causes of these conflicts. The researchers collected data from 306 students and conducted semi-directive interviews with teachers, administrative and technical personnel, and the Director adjoint du Centre des œuvres universitaires de Dakar (COUD).

The study's findings highlight a combination of economic, institutional, organizational, and relational factors as the root causes of recurrent tensions at UCAD. The researchers recommend a comprehensive approach based on inclusive governance, permanent dialogue, and crisis prevention to strengthen social cohesion, stabilize the university climate, and preserve UCAD's reputation as a reference institution in higher education and research. However, the study also notes that these tensions are not limited to social issues alone, but also reflect insufficiencies in governance, communication, and dialogue between different components of the university.

The study provides valuable insights into the underlying causes of recurrent tensions at UCAD and proposes mechanisms for durable prevention. Practitioners should take note of the recommendations made by the researchers, which include a comprehensive approach based on inclusive governance, permanent dialogue, and crisis prevention. The implementation of these recommendations has the potential to strengthen social cohesion, stabilize the university climate, and preserve UCAD's reputation as a reference institution in higher education and research.