The government of Senegal has strongly criticised the decision of a Moroccan court to jail 18 Senegalese football supporters following disturbances at last month’s Africa Cup of Nations final.
The supporters, who were arrested in Morocco after the January 18 final of the Africa Cup of Nations, were accused of violence against security forces and causing property damage during a pitch invasion.
On Thursday, the court handed down prison sentences ranging from three months to one year, alongside fines of up to $545.
Reacting on Tuesday, Senegal’s Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, told parliament that the matter appeared to have gone beyond sports.
“It seems this matter goes beyond the realm of sport, and that is regrettable,” Sonko said. “For two countries that call each other friends, like Morocco and Senegal, things should not have gone this far.”
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He added that Morocco’s handling of the case “does not honour” the longstanding diplomatic ties between both nations, stressing that Senegal had taken all necessary diplomatic steps to secure the supporters’ release.
Sonko further disclosed that Senegal could invoke a bilateral agreement between the two countries that allows for the mutual transfer of convicted persons, if necessary.
Senegal defeated Morocco 1–0 in the final held in Rabat, in a tense and chaotic encounter that saw some Senegalese fans attempt to storm the pitch and throw projectiles, prompting security intervention.
The incident has since sparked diplomatic tension, casting a shadow over sporting relations between the two African nations.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
