Cisse’s death tragic loss for Africa

By Symon Ogeto | C O M M E N T A R Y

Wed, Nov 21, 2007 – It has not been long since Amadou Cisse, a Senegalese student at the University of Chicago was gunned down to his death steps from his apartment on the 6100 bock of Ellis Avenue.

Cissé was shot and killed shortly after midnight Sunday on his way to his apartment. Cisse was coming from International House (I-House) where he had lived for over six years.

Cissé moved out of I-House over the summer because he was not ready to sign up a full-year lease knowing that he was bound to graduate on December 7.

Over the last two years I have worked at I- House, Cissé was a constant face along the hallways of I-House. As a fellow African, we never passed each other without exchanging our brotherly salutations.

I-House, by virtue of its mission, has been the principle home for international students studying at the University of Chicago and several colleges within the City of Chicago.

Also, it is a perfect residence for local students planning to travel overseas for study abroad and those returning.

For Cissé, this was the ideal place to live when he gained his admission to the University back in 2001. He had made his friends here and this was his family home with a band of friends over the past six years while he pursued his doctorate in chemistry.

I was off on Monday. So when a colleague called me to share the news that Cissé had been killed, I was in disbelief until I logged online only to realize that it was indeed true – Cissé had been killed.

Over the last 24 hours, I have spent a much time to reflect on the fragility of our lives in this world full of uncertainties. There are sudden deaths that are understandable. But it very disturbing to imagine how, under circumstances being investigated, how Cissé’s death may have happened.

His death is a tragic loss to all of us - African immigrants, the University of Chicago, his native country – Senegal, American friends, professors. Africa and the world-over has lost a brilliant young mind that was destined to using the well-earned education solve some of the problems afflicting our people.

This is another stark reminder that life is short and can be shortened further when least expected. While death is obvious and is bound to occur to us at different stages in life, it is only prudent to live each day to the fullest before we meet our maker.

According to Cheikh Balla Sainb, president of the Senegalese community in Chicago, the University will be foot all expenses required to ship Cisse’s body back home. His body is lying at 75th and Drexel. The community is making arrangements to expediate the shipped of his body in accordance to his Muslim faith.

In the meantime, the University will be planning a memorial service soon to eulogize Cisse. Also, the African community, under the leadership of Cheikeh Balla, will be organizing a similar function.

Thoughts on Cissé
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