Senegal’s Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, on Tuesday criticised a Moroccan court’s decision to jail 18 Senegalese football supporters following a pitch invasion during last month’s Africa Cup of Nations final.
The supporters were arrested in Morocco after the January 18 final of the Africa Cup of Nations, accused of violence against security personnel and causing property damage.
On Thursday, a court handed down prison sentences ranging from three months to one year, along with fines of up to $545.
Addressing parliament, Sonko said the situation appeared to have gone beyond sport.
“It seems this matter goes beyond the realm of sport, and that is regrettable,” he said, adding that Morocco’s handling of the case “does not honour” relations between the two countries.
He noted that Senegal had taken steps to secure the supporters’ release and could activate a bilateral agreement allowing for the mutual transfer of convicts if necessary.
Senegal won the final 1–0 in Rabat after a tense match during which some supporters attempted to storm the pitch and threw projectiles.
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The sentencing has introduced diplomatic strain between Senegal and Morocco despite their traditionally cordial ties.
While Moroccan authorities treated the incident as a criminal matter involving public disorder, Senegal’s government considers the penalties excessive.
Prime Minister Sonko’s comments suggest Dakar may pursue further diplomatic engagement, including invoking a prisoner transfer agreement that would allow the convicted supporters to serve their sentences at home, subject to approval by both countries.
The case also underscores ongoing concerns about fan conduct and security management at major continental football tournaments.
