Eighteen Senegalese football supporters detained in Morocco following disturbances during last month’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final have launched a hunger strike as they await trial, citing prolonged detention, unclear charges, and violations of their legal rights.
The group was arrested on January 18 in Rabat after Senegal defeated Morocco in a tense AFCON final marked by crowd unrest late in the match. Moroccan authorities accuse the detainees of “hooliganism,” though their lawyer says they have yet to be formally informed of the specific charges against them.
Lawyer Patrick Kabou says that his clients say they have been held for weeks without clarity on their legal situation. He adds that the detainees complain police questioned them in French and Arabic, languages they do not understand, while they speak only Wolof, their native Senegalese language.
Tensions flared minutes before the end of the final when several Senegalese supporters attempted to storm the pitch. Senegal’s players temporarily stopped play for nearly 20 minutes to protest a late penalty awarded to Morocco. During the chaos, some fans were seen throwing objects onto the field, including at least one chair.
According to Kabou, the detainees say they are being denied their “right to justice” and have vowed to continue the hunger strike “until Moroccan justice gives us the chance to be heard.” The protest is intended to draw attention to what they describe as unfair treatment and procedural delays.
Judicial proceedings have stalled repeatedly. A first court hearing scheduled for late January was adjourned by the presiding judge, while a second hearing set for Thursday was postponed due to an ongoing nationwide lawyers’ strike in Morocco. The case is now expected to resume next week.
The situation has raised concerns among human rights advocates and football supporters in Senegal, who are closely watching the outcome of the case as the detainees’ hunger strike continues.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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