Morocco's King Mohammed VI has pardoned the Senegalese football supporters who were jailed following violence at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in Rabat, according to a statement from the royal court. The pardon was granted for humanitarian reasons, the statement said, without specifying the number of individuals affected or the exact charges.
The AFCON final, held on February 9, 2025, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, saw Senegal face Ivory Coast. The match ended in a 2-1 victory for Ivory Coast, but was marred by clashes between Senegalese fans and Moroccan security forces. Reports at the time indicated that several Senegalese supporters were arrested and later sentenced to prison terms for their involvement in the violence.
The royal pardon, announced on May 30, 2026, comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts between Morocco and Senegal. The two countries have maintained strong bilateral relations, and the pardon is seen as a gesture of goodwill. The Senegalese government has welcomed the decision, expressing gratitude to King Mohammed VI.
Details on the exact number of pardoned individuals and the specific legal terms of their release have not been disclosed. The royal court statement emphasized the humanitarian nature of the decision, without linking it to any political or diplomatic conditions.
