Senegal military court hears Fallou Sène death case

A military court in Senegal has heard the case regarding the 2018 death of student Fallou Sène, who was killed during clashes at Gaston Berger University in Saint-Louis. The defendant, former sub-lieutenant Serigne Moustapha Sané, admitted to firing the shot that caused the student's death.

Sané testified that he acted during an official peacekeeping mission to protect his commander, Abdou Diop, and other gendarmes who were being attacked by a crowd. He stated he fired three warning shots before a fourth shot, which he claims was aimed at the lower limbs of protesters. During the proceedings, questions were raised regarding his transition from a 9 mm automatic pistol to an M16 rifle.

The prosecution has requested a one-year prison sentence for the defendant, who faces charges of voluntary assault and battery resulting in death without intent to kill. Meanwhile, the victim's family and student representatives are seeking 250 million FCFA in damages. The court is scheduled to deliver its verdict on November 27, 2026.