Senegalese authorities are actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to secure the release of dozens of the country's football fans who remain imprisoned in Morocco. The supporters were arrested and convicted following violent clashes in Casablanca in July 2023, after a match between the Senegalese team Jeunesse Sportive de SalΓ© (JSS) and Morocco's Raja Club Athletic.
According to reports from Senegalese and Moroccan media, the fans were sentenced to prison terms ranging from several months to two years for charges including violence and destruction of property. The incident caused significant diplomatic tension between the two nations.
Senegal's Foreign Minister, IsmaΓ―la Madior Fall, has confirmed that the case is a priority. The government is reportedly employing both formal diplomatic channels and back-channel negotiations with Moroccan counterparts to find a resolution, potentially involving a pardon or prisoner transfer agreement.
Families of the imprisoned supporters have repeatedly appealed to the Senegalese government for assistance, keeping public attention on the case. The prolonged detention has been a persistent point of discussion in Senegalese political and media circles.
