Moroccan King Issues Pardon for Senegalese Fans Following AFCON Incident
In a significant gesture of goodwill, King Mohammed VI of Morocco has granted a royal pardon to Senegalese fans who were detained during the tumultuous aftermath of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final held in 2025-2026. This decision, described as being made for "humanitarian reasons," underscores the deep-rooted fraternal ties between Morocco and Senegal. The Senegalese President expressed gratitude towards the Moroccan monarch for this compassionate act, which coincides with the upcoming celebration of Eid al-Adha.
The royal decree was officially communicated through a statement from the Moroccan royal palace, which emphasized that the pardon reflects the historical brotherhood shared between the two nations. Although the specific number of fans included in this pardon was not disclosed, it is noteworthy that it applies to individuals convicted of minor offenses related to disturbances during the AFCON competition, which took place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
The incidents leading to the detentions occurred at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat, where a group of Senegalese supporters engaged in unruly behavior following the conclusion of the final match. Moroccan authorities apprehended several fans, with 18 facing legal proceedings, alongside a French supporter of Algerian descent. Charges against them included violations of the sports riot laws, such as willful destruction of public and private property, storming the field, and violent conduct against law enforcement officers.
In response to the royal pardon, the Senegalese President took to social media to express his heartfelt thanks. He wrote, "Our citizens who were detained in Morocco due to the incidents surrounding the AFCON will soon be reunited with their families, thanks to King Mohammed VI and the occasion of Eid al-Adha." He further acknowledged the king's decision as a testament to the compassion and humanity that epitomize the relationship between Senegal and Morocco, wishing a blessed holiday to the Moroccan king and the people of Morocco.
As reported by asharq.com.
