Israel’s ambassador to Senegal, Yuval Waks, was forced to leave the campus of Cheikh Anta Diop University (UCAD) in Dakar on Tuesday after angry students protested his visit and chanted in support of Palestine. The incident highlights growing global outrage over Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza.
Waks had been invited to speak at an academic conference on international relations at UCAD, Senegal’s most prestigious university. However, his arrival sparked a strong reaction from students who oppose Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Chanting slogans such as “Free Palestine,” “Free Gaza,” and “Israel is a war criminal,” dozens of students gathered outside the conference hall holding Palestinian flags. As tension escalated, protesters booed the ambassador and blocked his path, making it impossible for him to deliver his speech.
Videos circulating on social media show Waks being escorted off campus by security personnel as students continued to shout and wave Palestinian flags. The ambassador left without addressing the audience, and the protest followed him as he departed the area.
The Israeli embassy has not issued a formal statement on the incident. Waks, who was appointed ambassador to Senegal earlier this month, also serves as Israel’s non-resident ambassador to several West African countries including Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, and Chad. He officially presented his diplomatic credentials to President Bassirou Diomaye Faye on May 8.
The protest reflects wider anger in Africa and around the world over the ongoing war in Gaza. Since Israel’s military campaign began in October 2023, over 54,000 Palestinians—mostly women and children—have been killed, according to international humanitarian organisations.
Israel has closed off all crossings into Gaza since March 2, preventing food, medical supplies, and other humanitarian aid from reaching the people in the enclave. This blockade has worsened an already dire humanitarian crisis and led to widespread condemnation from human rights groups and global leaders.
In November 2024, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. They are accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity. In addition, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is currently hearing a genocide case brought against Israel for its actions in Gaza.
The protest in Dakar is part of a growing global student movement demanding justice for Palestinians. In recent months, student demonstrations have erupted across campuses in the United States, Europe, and parts of Africa, calling on governments and universities to cut ties with Israel or Israeli-linked institutions.
While Senegal maintains diplomatic relations with Israel, the country has traditionally supported the Palestinian cause. Tuesday’s protest shows that Israel’s policies in Gaza are facing growing rejection, even in countries with official diplomatic ties.
As tensions continue to rise worldwide over the war in Gaza, the disruption of Ambassador Waks’ visit sends a clear message: young people, especially students, are no longer willing to remain silent.
