Senegalese football fans, previously incarcerated after the CAN 2025 final, have now returned to their homeland, having received a royal pardon from King Mohammed VI of Morocco.
The Senegalese supporters, who had been imprisoned following disturbances during the CAN 2025 final in Rabat this past January, arrived back in Senegal on Sunday morning. Their release came after King Mohammed VI of Morocco granted them a royal pardon on Saturday, citing “human considerations.”
Senegalese football supporters, who faced imprisonment after the violent incidents that marred the CAN 2025 final in Rabat in January, have successfully returned to Senegal this Sunday morning. Their homecoming was made possible by a royal pardon extended by King Mohammed VI of Morocco on Saturday.
The royal cabinet’s statement on Saturday highlighted that the King chose to grant his royal grace to the Senegalese supporters “for human considerations,” acknowledging the “centuries-old fraternal relations” binding the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Senegal, and coinciding with the upcoming Eid al-Adha celebrations in Morocco. This act of African governance underscores the diplomatic ties between the two nations.
“Champions of Africa for the second time”
The returning supporters landed overnight at Blaise Diagne International Airport in Diamniadio, located on the outskirts of Dakar. They were personally greeted by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and key representatives from the Senegalese Football Federation. Addressing journalists, President Faye, dressed in sportswear, expressed his immense satisfaction at their return to national soil. He also took the opportunity to reaffirm his country’s belief that the Lions are “the champions of Africa for the second time,” despite the ongoing dispute over the title before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
President Faye extended his sincere thanks to the Moroccan authorities for this act of clemency, timed with the upcoming Tabaski holiday. Patrice Motsepe, President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), also commended the King’s decision, describing it as an “edifying and motivating illustration of football’s power to unite and bring our peoples together across Africa and worldwide.” This Africa breaking news demonstrates the power of diplomacy in African current affairs.
Sentences ranging from three months to one year
The incident unfolded on January 18 during the Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat, where Senegal secured a 1-0 victory after a highly contentious match. Chaos erupted in the second half’s added time when a penalty was awarded to Morocco, immediately following a disallowed goal for Senegal. Several Senegalese players reportedly left the field, and supporters attempted to rush the pitch, throwing various projectiles.
In February, Moroccan courts handed down sentences ranging from three months to one year in prison to eighteen Senegalese individuals. They were prosecuted on charges of “hooliganism,” which included acts of violence against law enforcement officials. By mid-April, three of these supporters had been released after completing their three-month sentences. The royal pardon granted on Saturday therefore applies to the remaining fifteen supporters, marking a significant development in this continent news story.
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