At least 18 Senegalese fans remain in pre-trial detention in Morocco after they were arrested in connection with disturbances that erupted during and after the AFCON final match held on January 18.
Senegal’s Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, is set to begin an official visit to Morocco on Monday, against the backdrop of lingering tensions following the detention of Senegalese football supporters during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final.
At least 18 Senegalese fans remain in pre-trial detention in Morocco after they were arrested in connection with disturbances that erupted during and after the AFCON final match held on January 18.
Senegal defeated host nation Morocco 1–0 after extra time to clinch the continental title.
Moroccan authorities charged the detained supporters with hooliganism.
Their trial, which opened on Thursday at a court in Rabat, was adjourned and is now expected to resume on January 29.
Sonko’s visit comes amid growing diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions between both countries.
A source at the Senegal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the trip is taking place within the framework of a joint Senegal–Morocco commission scheduled to hold between Monday and Tuesday.
According to Morocco’s state news agency, MAP, a Moroccan–Senegalese economic forum will also be held during the visit, highlighting ongoing cooperation between the two countries in key sectors such as tourism, energy, infrastructure, and transport. Senegal and Morocco also share long-standing religious and cultural ties.
Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has expressed regret over the incidents that led to the arrests, while Sonko has publicly called for calm and restraint, urging both Senegalese and Moroccan citizens to avoid further escalation.
Despite official appeals for calm, rival supporters from both countries have continued to trade insults and accusations on social media, fueling public tension.
Sonko’s visit is expected to focus not only on economic and diplomatic cooperation but also on behind-the-scenes negotiations aimed at resolving the legal situation of the detained Senegalese nationals.
The outcome of the talks may determine whether diplomatic pressure can ease the crisis sparked by what many Senegalese have described as excessive security response during the AFCON final celebrations.