By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko will on Monday commence an official visit to Morocco following the arrest and detention of fans from his country over incidents at the just concluded 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) football final, officials said.
At least 18 Senegalese supporters are still in pre‑trial detention in Morocco, where they face charges of hooliganism after the January 18 final game that ended in a 1-0 in favour of Senegal against Morocco.
Their trial opened Thursday at a Rabat court and has been adjourned till 29 January.
The two countries have bilateral relations in sectors including tourism, energy, infrastructure and transport, and share strong religious ties.
Sonko’s trip takes place within the framework of a joint commission between the two states, scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, AFP quoted a source at the Senegalese foreign ministry as saying.
A Moroccan‑Senegalese economic forum is planned for the occasion, according to the Moroccan news agency MAP.
Morocco’s King Mohammed VI expressed regret over the incidents and Sonko called for tensions to be defused.
Rival fans have continued to trade barbs on social media over the final game fallout.
