Senegal Prime Minister Condemns Morocco’s Jail Terms For Imprisoned Supporters

Senegal Prime Minister Condemns Morocco’s Jail Terms For Imprisoned Supporters 

By Niyi Busari 

Senegal’s Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, has sharply criticised Morocco following the sentencing of 18 Senegalese football supporters convicted after crowd disturbances at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in January, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The supporters were found guilty by a Moroccan court of violence and property damage stemming from a pitch invasion during the ill-tempered final between Senegal and Morocco. Last Thursday, the court handed down prison terms ranging from three months to one year, alongside fines of up to $545.

Addressing parliament, Sonko suggested the issue had escalated beyond a sporting dispute.

“It seems this matter goes beyond the realm of sport, and that is regrettable,” he said. “For two countries that call each other friends, like Morocco and Senegal, things should not have gone this far.”

The prime minister argued that the handling of the case “does not honour” the longstanding ties between Senegal and Morocco, adding that Dakar had taken all necessary diplomatic steps to secure the supporters’ release.

Sonko expressed hope that Moroccan authorities — particularly Mohammed VI — might grant a royal pardon.

“If they do not, we have agreements that bind us and allow us to request that the supporters serve their sentences in their own country,” he said, referencing bilateral cooperation mechanisms.

The unrest occurred during the AFCON final after a contentious penalty decision triggered clashes between Senegalese supporters and Moroccan security personnel. Some players briefly walked off the pitch amid the chaos before returning to complete the match.

Senegal ultimately secured a 1–0 victory in extra time, but the fallout from the incident continues to reverberate diplomatically.