The vibrant neighborhood of Dangou in Rufisque, located on the outskirts of Dakar, is alive with color. The bright red, a hallmark of the Lebougui Sports and Cultural Association, the local football team, beautifully complements the colors of the Senegalese flag. Bright green, yellow, and red fabrics are hung high among the narrow streets, serving as decorations to celebrate the recent victory of Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). A local resident remarks on the festive atmosphere, reminiscing about the grand celebrations following Senegal's triumph on the field on January 18 during the AFCON final.
However, this date carries a dual significance of both joy and sorrow. Dozens of members from the ASC Lebougui supporters' group traveled to Tangier and Rabat to cheer on their beloved team, led by star player Sadio Mané, at Moroccan stadiums. Tragically, four of these fans have not returned home, as they have been detained for nearly three months in a Rabat prison following their arrest amid clashes between Senegalese supporters and Moroccan stadium staff during the AFCON final.
Arbitrary Detention and Calls for Justice
Among those detained is 25-year-old Mamadou Diagne, a young tile setter who was sentenced to a year in prison during a first-instance trial on February 19 in Rabat. His family remains in a state of disbelief. In their family home, his mother and grandmother sit on a bed that faces a patio, their faces marked by sadness as they discuss Mamadou’s detention. They express their daily prayers for his release, hoping for a swift resolution to this distressing situation.
Assane, Mamadou’s uncle, openly expresses his anger regarding the circumstances surrounding his nephew's sentencing. "The day Mamadou's sentence was announced was during Ramadan, right at the moment of breaking the fast," he recalls. "Everyone in the house lost their appetite. We thought it would be a minor incident and that they would be released within 24 or 48 hours. Now, nearly three months have passed. It's hard, very hard. This is an injustice. Their detention in Morocco is arbitrary,” he asserts with frustration.
Mamadou's lawyer, Me Patrick Kabou, who has been monitoring the case from the beginning, has repeatedly condemned violations of defense rights. He emphasizes that the defendants, who primarily speak Wolof, did not have access to an interpreter during the preliminary investigation or when speaking to the prosecutor. According to him, they only began to understand the charges against them during a hearing on February 12, four weeks after their detention. The lawyer also lamented not being informed in a timely manner about the proceedings or the specific allegations against his clients.
Despite the distance, Assane maintains contact with Mamadou. “From time to time, he calls us by phone,” he informs. “But he has to pay 3.5 euros per minute to reach us. It’s very hard for him. These rates are exorbitant. He has described the difficult conditions of his detention,” he continues, highlighting the challenges faced by those imprisoned.
Community Solidarity and Ongoing Campaigns
Babacar Mbengue, the general treasurer of ASC Lebougui, showcases graffiti and drawings that adorn the facades of homes in Dangou. The phrase “the red lion,” which is the title of Senegal's anthem and a rallying cry for Lebougui, is emblazoned across one house, reminding all that this is the stronghold of one of the largest supporters' groups for the Lions of Teranga.
“Since their arrest, ASC Lebougui has mobilized,” Babacar states. “We initiated a fundraising campaign to support their families because they were all providers for their households. The entire neighborhood has come together. We organized a peaceful march in Dakar to demand their release. We continue to occupy television platforms to keep the pressure on and ensure they are not forgotten,” he adds, underscoring the collective effort for justice.
The call for the release of the Senegalese supporters has gained significant traction. On March 31, during a friendly match against Gambia in Dakar, fans united in song, chanting in homage to those detained. The phrase “Liberté 18” was displayed on the bodies of eight supporters from another iconic group supporting the Senegalese national team, the 12th Gainde, pioneers among those who follow the Lions of Senegal.
The fate of the 18 supporters has even been addressed by Patrice Motsepe, the president of the African Football Confederation, during a visit to Dakar. He expressed that this issue is of particular concern to the CAF, noting that the arrests occurred during a competition organized by his association. Motsepe believes that “diplomatic discussions” will be necessary to resolve this issue.
However, the possibility of diplomacy hinges on the decision of the Rabat court of appeal. It is only after a definitive sentence is issued that actions could be taken at the highest levels. Dakar has proposed several avenues, including a potential pardon from King Mohammed VI or the activation of an agreement between the two countries that would allow for the mutual transfer of prisoners, enabling them to serve their sentences in Senegal.
As reported by france24.com.
