Senegal’s Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, is scheduled to embark on an official visit to Morocco on Monday amid rising diplomatic tensions following the detention of Senegalese football fans after the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final.
At least 18 Senegalese supporters are currently in pre-trial detention in Morocco after being arrested in connection with disturbances that broke out during and after the AFCON final match held on January 18.
Senegal defeated host nation Morocco 1–0 after extra time to secure the continental title.
Moroccan authorities have charged the detained fans with hooliganism.
Their trial, which began on Thursday at a court in Rabat, was adjourned and is expected to resume on January 29.
Sonko’s visit comes as part of diplomatic efforts to calm tensions between both countries.
A source at Senegal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed that the trip is being undertaken within the framework of a joint Senegal–Morocco commission meeting scheduled to hold between Monday and Tuesday.
According to Morocco’s state news agency, MAP, the visit will also feature a Moroccan–Senegalese economic forum aimed at strengthening cooperation in key sectors such as tourism, energy, infrastructure, and transport.
Both countries also maintain long-standing religious and cultural ties.
Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has expressed regret over the incidents that led to the arrests, while Prime Minister Sonko has called for calm and restraint, urging citizens of both nations to avoid further escalation.
Despite official appeals, supporters from Senegal and Morocco have continued to exchange insults and accusations on social media, further heightening public tension.
The visit is expected to focus not only on economic and diplomatic relations but also on behind-the-scenes negotiations to resolve the legal status of the detained Senegalese nationals.
Observers say the outcome of the talks could determine whether diplomatic engagement will ease the crisis, which many Senegalese have described as an excessive security response during the AFCON final celebrations.
