Senegal PM to Visit Morocco After Football Unrest, Strengthen Bilateral Ties

Senegal's Prime Minister Ousman Sonko is set to embark on an official visit to Morocco on Monday after 18 Senegalese supporters were detained in Morocco following the Africa Cup of Nations football final. The supporters face charges related to hooliganism after Senegal won 1-0 against Morocco on January 18.

The trial for the detained fans was scheduled to open in a Rabat court on Thursday but was postponed to January 29. Sonko's visit is part of efforts to enhance cooperation between the two nations in various sectors including tourism, energy, infrastructure, and transport.

The trip is within the framework of a joint commission between the two states. The Moroccan King Mohammed VI expressed regret over the incident, and Sonko aims to ease tensions between rival fans.

The visit also includes plans for the Moroccan-Senegalese Economic Forum to further strengthen bilateral ties.