The trial of adjudant Serigne Moustapha Sané, accused of killing student Mouhamadou Fallou Sène in 2018, was held in Dakar on October 30, 2026. The prosecution has sought a one-year prison sentence, including six months imprisonment, for the accused. Sané, who was a sous-lieutenant at the time of the incident, has admitted to opening fire during clashes between students and security forces at the University of Gaston Berger in Saint-Louis.
According to the accused, he acted to protect his superior, Commander Abdou Diop, and other unit members who were allegedly injured and attacked by students. Sané claimed to have fired three warning shots before a fourth shot, which he said was aimed at the lower limbs of the protesters. However, the choice of weapon used has raised questions, as he opted for an M16 rifle instead of his 9mm automatic pistol.
Commander Abdou Diop, who led the security forces during the incident, corroborated Sané's account, stating that his subordinate had opened fire to protect the gendarmes and disperse the crowd. Diop mentioned that some of his unit members, including Pape Matar Diop, were injured during the clashes. However, the testimonies of student representatives from the Saint-Louis Coordination, who were heard as witnesses, contradicted the accused's version of events.
The student representatives, including the former president of the Coordination, claimed that they had called on their fellow students to stop throwing stones to allow the gendarmes to reposition themselves. These divergent testimonies have highlighted discrepancies in the accounts of the intervention and the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting.
The civil parties, including Fallou Sène's family and the Saint-Louis Student Coordination, have claimed a total of 250 million FCFA in damages. Fallou Sène's family, represented by lawyer Assane Dioma Ndiaye, has demanded 200 million FCFA, while the student coordination, represented by lawyer Amadou Diallo, has sought 50 million FCFA.
The prosecution has requested that the tribunal declare adjudant Serigne Moustapha Sané guilty of the charges against him. The defense, represented by lawyer Moustapha Dieng, has invoked Article 315 of the Penal Code and the state of necessity to plead for acquittal. The tribunal has adjourned the case, with a verdict expected on November 27, 2026.
The case dates back to May 15, 2018, when Mouhamadou Fallou Sène was killed during clashes between students and security forces at the University of Gaston Berger. The students were protesting the non-payment of their scholarships. The trial has been a long-awaited development in the case, with many stakeholders expecting a fair and just outcome.
Key points
- The prosecution has sought a one-year prison sentence, including six months imprisonment, for adjudant Serigne Moustapha Sané.
- The civil parties have claimed a total of 250 million FCFA in damages.
- A verdict in the case is expected on November 27, 2026.
