Police have increased their presence on Mohamed V Street, a district in Dakar known for its Moroccan businesses, following a controversial decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The move comes after CAF officially awarded Morocco the title of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champion, a decision that has sparked diplomatic friction with Senegal, which was a co-host of the tournament.
Local merchants reported a heightened security atmosphere, with police vehicles stationed in the area. "The police have been on alert since CAF's decision to grant the title to Morocco, but there have been no incidents," one source told reporters. The decision stems from the unprecedented cancellation of the final match of the 2025 AFCON, which was to be played between Morocco and Senegal, due to security concerns and logistical failures at the stadium.
The CAF's executive committee ratified the awarding of the title to Morocco based on its superior sporting performance throughout the canceled tournament. This administrative conclusion has been met with strong disapproval from Senegalese authorities and fans, who argue the decision undermines the spirit of the competition. The situation has tested the long-standing diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations.
Analysts note that while the street-level tension is currently contained, the dispute represents a significant setback in regional sports diplomacy. Both governments have called for calm, but official protests have been lodged by Senegal, challenging the legitimacy of CAF's ruling and seeking a review of the decision-making process.
