Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has criticised Morocco’s decision to jail 18 Senegalese football supporters following last month’s Africa Cup of Nations final. The fans were arrested after Senegal defeated hosts Morocco 1-0 in the January 18 final in Rabat, with authorities accusing them of violence against security forces and causing damage during a pitch invasion.
On February 19, a Moroccan court sentenced the 18 supporters to prison terms ranging from three months to one year, along with fines of up to $545. Addressing parliament on Tuesday, Sonko expressed disappointment, stating: “It seems this matter goes beyond the realm of sport, and that is regrettable.”
He added that Morocco’s handling “does not honour” the longstanding relationship between both nations. Sonko indicated Senegal could invoke a bilateral agreement allowing mutual transfer of convicted persons to resolve the matter.
Key Points:
The diplomatic row threatens to strain relations between the two African nations.
Senegal asserts its citizens’ rights while respecting Morocco’s judicial sovereignty.
Jailed fans face separation from families, while diplomatic channels seek resolution.
This signals the political sensitivities surrounding major sporting events.
The timing, post-AFCON, keeps tensions alive.
Senegal’s PM criticizes Morocco over jailing 18 football fans, calling handling “regrettable” and threatening to invoke prisoner transfer agreement.
Sources: AFP