During a recent Senegal national football team match, supporters staged a symbolic protest in the 18th minute, standing in unison to demand the release of 18 Senegalese fishermen detained in Morocco. The coordinated action highlighted ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two nations over fishing rights and maritime boundaries.
The fishermen were reportedly arrested by the Moroccan Royal Navy in late 2025 for allegedly fishing illegally in Moroccan territorial waters. Their detention has sparked significant public outcry in Senegal, with families and civil society groups calling for their repatriation.
Senegalese authorities have confirmed they are engaged in diplomatic efforts to resolve the case. The Moroccan government has stated the fishermen were apprehended following due legal process, but specific charges and the status of judicial proceedings remain unclear.
The protest at the stadium underscores how the issue has galvanized public sentiment in Senegal, transforming a sporting event into a platform for political expression regarding citizens' welfare abroad.
