Senegal PM Criticizes Morocco for Jailing AFCON Fans

Senegal's Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko voiced strong displeasure regarding a Moroccan court's decision to jail 18 Senegalese football supporters. This sentencing followed crowd troubles during the AFCON final on January 18, where Senegal defeated Morocco 1-0.

The chaotic encounter led to accusations against fans of violence against security personnel, property damage, and attempts to invade the pitch. The Moroccan court imposed prison terms ranging from three months to one year, along with fines of $545.

Addressing the parliament on Tuesday, Sonko expressed regret over how the matter unfolded and highlighted Morocco's handling of the case as a long-standing issue between the two countries. He insisted that Dakar has taken every appropriate diplomatic step to seek leniency for its citizens.

Additionally, Sonko revealed that Senegal is considering activating a bilateral agreement to allow for the mutual transfer of convicted persons in an effort to resolve the issue, as dialogue has failed.