18 Senegalese detainees from AFCON final in Morocco stage hunger strike

Eighteen Senegalese football fans detained in Morocco after the AFCON final have begun a hunger strike while awaiting trial. The fans, arrested for violence during the match, demand a fair trial and protest their poor treatment, including language barriers during interrogations. Legal proceedings have been delayed, increasing their frustrations.

In a developing story, eighteen Senegalese football fans detained in Morocco after the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final have initiated a hunger strike while awaiting their trial. These individuals were arrested following incidents of violence and hooliganism during the intense final match between Senegal and Morocco last month.

Background of the Incident

The arrests occurred on January 18, 2026, just after the high-stakes match where Senegal emerged victorious over Morocco in Rabat. The detained individuals have reportedly been held in custody without being informed of the specific charges against them, as confirmed by their lawyer, Patrick Kabou.

Concerns Raised by the Detainees

Lawyer Patrick Kabou, speaking to AFP, revealed the frustrations of his clients. He mentioned that the detained Senegalese supporters have raised serious concerns regarding the language barrier they have encountered during their interrogations. While the detainees predominantly speak Wolof, their native language, the questioning was conducted in French and Arabic, languages that they do not understand fluently. This communication gap has caused considerable distress and confusion among the detained fans.

Events During the AFCON Final

As the AFCON final match neared its conclusion, tensions escalated when some Senegalese supporters attempted to storm the pitch. The situation grew more chaotic when the Senegalese players halted the game for nearly 20 minutes, protesting a controversial penalty that had been awarded to Morocco. The commotion on the field added to the overall intensity, with some fans throwing objects, including chairs, onto the pitch in protest. The disruption led to increased security concerns, and several fans were detained by authorities.

The Hunger Strike

In an effort to protest the conditions of their detention, the detained Senegalese fans have launched a hunger strike. They are demanding that Moroccan authorities allow them to be heard in court and ensure that they receive a fair trial. According to lawyer Patrick Kabou, the group is steadfast in their resolve to continue the hunger strike until they are given the chance to present their case before a judge. This move is seen as a protest against what they view as an unjust legal process and the denial of their right to a fair trial.

Delays in Legal Proceedings

The legal proceedings in this case have faced significant delays. A court hearing initially scheduled for late January was postponed by the judge. Additionally, a second hearing set for Thursday was delayed due to an ongoing strike by lawyers in Morocco. As a result, the detainees remain in a state of uncertainty, with their trial now scheduled to resume next week. This delay has exacerbated their frustration, as they continue to await the opportunity to present their defense in court.

Looking Ahead

The situation remains fluid, as the detained individuals continue their hunger strike and demand justice. The Senegalese fans are calling for fair treatment and the right to a proper legal process. As of now, they remain in custody, but their hunger strike has drawn attention to concerns regarding legal rights, fairness, and the treatment of detainees within the Moroccan justice system. The case highlights the ongoing tensions between the detained individuals and the authorities, with both sides awaiting a resolution in court.

Sources:

• Al Jazeera – 18 Senegalese detainees from AFCON final in Morocco go on hunger strike
• The New Arab – 18 Senegalese detained in Morocco over AFCON go on hunger strike
• Sahara Reporters – 18 Detained Senegalese Fans Begin Hunger Strike In Morocco As Trial Delays Further
• 18 Senegalese detainees from AFCON final in Morocco go on hunger strike