Senegal’s Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, is set to begin an official visit to Morocco on Monday, officials have confirmed, following the detention of Senegalese football supporters after incidents at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final.
The visit comes amid ongoing legal proceedings involving 18 Senegalese fans who remain in pre-trial detention in Morocco. The supporters were arrested over alleged acts of hooliganism linked to disturbances that occurred during and after the AFCON final, which Senegal won 1–0 against host nation Morocco after extra time on January 18.
According to officials, the trial of the detained supporters opened on Thursday at a court in Rabat but was adjourned and rescheduled for January 29. The case has attracted attention in both countries, especially on social media, where rival fans have continued to exchange sharp comments.
Despite the incident, diplomatic sources emphasized that relations between Senegal and Morocco remain strong. The two countries enjoy long-standing cooperation in several key sectors, including tourism, energy, infrastructure, and transport, and also share deep religious and cultural ties.
Sonko’s visit is taking place within the framework of a joint Senegalese-Moroccan commission, scheduled to hold meetings on Monday and Tuesday, according to a source at Senegal’s foreign ministry. Discussions are expected to focus on strengthening bilateral cooperation and addressing matters of mutual interest.
In addition, a Moroccan-Senegalese economic forum has been planned to coincide with the visit, as reported by Morocco’s official news agency, MAP. The forum is expected to bring together government officials and business leaders from both countries to explore new economic opportunities.
Meanwhile, Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has expressed regret over the incidents surrounding the football final, while Prime Minister Sonko has appealed for calm and urged efforts to defuse tensions between supporters of both nations.
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