Adedokun Waliyu 
Senegal’s Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, will begin an official visit to Morocco on Monday following the detention of Senegalese supporters after disturbances at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in Rabat.
Eighteen Senegalese fans remain in pre-trial detention in Morocco, where they are facing charges of hooliganism linked to the AFCON final played on January 18, 2026. Senegal defeated hosts Morocco 1–0 after extra time in the match. The trial of the detained supporters opened on Thursday at a Rabat court but was adjourned until January 29.
Despite the incident, Senegal and Morocco continue to maintain cooperative relations in areas such as tourism, energy, infrastructure and transport, alongside strong shared religious ties. Sonko’s visit is taking place within the framework of a joint bilateral commission scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, according to a source at Senegal’s foreign ministry. A Moroccan-Senegalese economic forum is also planned during the visit, the Moroccan news agency MAP reported.
Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has expressed regret over the unrest, while Sonko has called for calm and de-escalation of tensions, even as rival supporters continue exchanging barbs on social media.
The AFCON final itself was marked by controversy. Senegal shocked Morocco with a 1–0 extra-time victory after a tense and chaotic match. A late penalty awarded after a VAR review sparked angry protests, and some Senegalese fans threw objects and attempted to invade the pitch before being restrained by security forces. The penalty was ultimately missed, and Senegal capitalised on the momentum to score the winning goal in extra time.
Midfielder Pape Gueye sealed the historic victory with a powerful strike, sending Senegal to continental glory in front of over 66,000 stunned home supporters at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
