The sentencing of 18 Senegalese supporters by the Moroccan justice system, following incidents during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) final between Senegal and Morocco, has sparked outrage in Senegal. The supporters received sentences ranging from 3 months to 1 year in prison.
The "Collectif des Ultras 221," a Senegalese supporters group, has reacted strongly to these sentences, calling them disproportionate. While firmly condemning all forms of violence, the Collectif believes that the sanctions handed down are not commensurate with the alleged acts and go against the spirit of fraternity that should prevail in African football.
"We therefore demand the release of these Senegalese supporters whose judicial treatment of the case has not guaranteed a fair trial," declared the Collectif des Ultras 221. The organization is also calling on the Senegalese authorities to ensure the protection and defense of these supporters.
The Senegalese government has also expressed its outrage at this situation. Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko deplored a decision that was "regrettable between two friendly nations," highlighting a disparity in treatment compared to other international incidents.
Prime Minister Sonko announced that President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has instructed the Minister of Foreign Affairs to initiate a procedure for requesting a presidential pardon from the Kingdom of Morocco. If this fails, the government plans to activate bilateral agreements allowing the repatriation of detainees to serve their sentences in Senegal.
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has also denounced a judgment of "incomprehensible severity" and "disproportionate". The FSF reacted after the Moroccan justice system sentenced 18 Senegalese supporters, detained in Morocco since the CAN final in mid-January, to prison terms ranging from three months to one year.
The supporters were found guilty of rioting, damaging public property, assaulting security officers, invading the pitch, and throwing objects. Senegalese activists have launched calls for a boycott of Moroccan products and services, also demanding the suspension of cooperation with companies linked to Moroccan investments in Senegal.
Beyond the official reactions, this case raises questions about the treatment of supporters and the fairness of judicial decisions in the African sports context. The outcome of the request for a presidential pardon will be decisive for the future of these 18 supporters and for relations between Senegal and Morocco.
In the meantime, the Senegalese government assures that it has mobilized all diplomatic and legal levers to obtain a favorable resolution.
