A collective of Senegalese citizens has mobilized for the release of 18 Senegalese supporters imprisoned in Morocco following incidents during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final. The group submitted a memorandum to the Moroccan embassy in Dakar to protest these detentions, which they deem unfair.
The AFCON 2025 final, which saw Senegal's victory over Morocco on January 18, 2026, was marked by incidents that led to the arrest and conviction of Senegalese supporters. Moroccan justice has handed down sentences of up to one year in prison for "hooliganism".
As a sign of protest, the collective organized a peaceful march in Dakar on February 26, before submitting its memorandum to the embassy. Ephrem Manga, a member of the collective, denounced a "hostage-taking", stressing that these supporters had simply wanted to support their team. The collective demands their release "without prosecution" and pledges to ensure that they return to the country "in good physical and mental health".
Another march is planned for this Saturday, February 28, in Dakar to amplify the demand for the release of the supporters, sentenced to prison terms ranging from three months to one year.
Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has also expressed concern about these convictions, stressing that the case goes beyond sports and does not reflect the quality of bilateral relations between Senegal and Morocco. He mentioned the possibility of a bilateral agreement allowing the transfer of detainees, or even a royal pardon granted by King Mohammed VI. The supporters were accused of violence against law enforcement and property damage.
