18 Senegalese supporters detained in Morocco after AFCON final start hunger strike

Eighteen Senegalese football fans detained in Morocco on allegations of hooliganism during last month’s Africa Cup of Nations final have begun a hunger strike, their lawyer announced on Friday, February 6. The group is protesting their continued detention without formal charges since their arrest on January 18.

The arrests occurred after a tense AFCON final in Rabat, where Senegal defeated Morocco. The match was marred by incidents near its conclusion, including an attempt by some Senegalese supporters to storm the pitch and a nearly 20-minute stoppage by Senegal’s players protesting a late penalty awarded to Morocco. Objects, including a chair, were also thrown onto the field.

According to their lawyer, Patrick Kabou, the detained fans have stated they are being denied their “right to justice” and have pledged to continue the strike “until Moroccan justice gives us the chance to be heard.” Kabou also reported that his clients complained police questioned them in French and Arabic, languages they do not understand, as they “only speak Wolof,” their native tongue.

Legal proceedings have faced delays. An initial court hearing in late January was adjourned, and a second hearing scheduled for Thursday was postponed due to an ongoing strike by lawyers in Morocco. The trial is now expected to resume next week.