Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko said on Tuesday that his country had done everything necessary to secure the release of Senegalese fans imprisoned in Morocco. On Thursday, the Moroccan judiciary issued prison sentences ranging from three months to a full year against 18 Senegalese fans in connection with riots that took place in the African Cup of Nations final in January. During a parliamentary questioning session, Sonko considered, “This issue has gone beyond sports, and this is unfortunate.”

Published on: 02/24/2026 - 21:48

Senegalese Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, regretted that a court in Morocco issued prison sentences against 18 Senegalese fans. They were convicted for storming the field during the African Cup of Nations final in January.

Fans were detained in Morocco after the final of the continental competition, on January 18, in which their country won the title. They were charged with violence against security forces and causing material damage.

Nine fans were sentenced to one year in prison and fined 5,000 dirhams, or about 460 euros. Six others were also sentenced to six months in prison and a fine of 2,000 dirhams, about 180 euros. The remaining three were sentenced to three months in prison and a fine of 1,000 dirhams, or about 90 euros.

Read also: Morocco: The judiciary sentences 18 Senegalese fans to prison for between three months and a year on charges of rioting during the African Cup of Nations final.

During a parliamentary questioning session, Sonko said, “It seems that this issue has gone beyond sports, and this is unfortunate.” He added, "For two countries that call each other friends, like Morocco and Senegal, things should not have reached this point."

Prisoner exchange agreement

The Senegalese Prime Minister stressed that Morocco's handling of the issue "does not honor" relations between the two countries. He pointed out that his country had done everything necessary to ensure the fans' release. He added, "If King Mohammed VI decides to grant them amnesty, thank God." He pointed out the possibility of activating a bilateral agreement that allows the mutual transfer of prisoners between the two countries if necessary.

The final match between Morocco and Senegal witnessed great tension that extended to the stands. A number of Senegal fans tried to storm the field for approximately 15 minutes.

France 24/AFP

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