Eighteen Senegalese football fans detained in Morocco since the AFCON 2025 final have launched a hunger strike to protest their prolonged pretrial detention and demand either immediate trial or release.
The group was arrested in Casablanca on February 2, 2026, following violent incidents after Morocco 1-0 loss to Senegals in the tournament final at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. Moroccan authorities accused them of hooliganism, vandalism, assault on security forces, and public disturbance.
As of February 5, 2026 more than three weeks after their arrest the men (aged 19–34) remain in pretrial custody at Oukacha Prison without formal charges being filed in open court or a trial date set.
On Thursday, February 5, the detainees began refusing food, citing:
Inhumane detention conditions (overcrowding, poor sanitation, limited medical care)
Repeated denial or delay of consular access by Senegalese embassy officials
No progress in their case despite repeated requests for bail or expedited trial
Family members and supporters in Dakar have staged solidarity protests outside the Moroccan embassy, holding signs reading “Justice for the 18” and “End Arbitrary Detention.”
Senegalese Government Response The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Senegalese Abroad confirmed it is in contact with Moroccan authorities and has demanded:
Immediate access for consular officers
Humane treatment and medical checks for the hunger strikers
A swift and fair trial or release on bail
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President Bassirou Diomaye Faye publicly appealed for the men’s rights to be respected and for the case to be handled expeditiously.
Moroccan Authorities The Moroccan Ministry of Justice and Interior has described the arrests as lawful and stated the investigation is ongoing. Officials insist the men will face trial once evidence gathering is complete, but have not provided a specific timeline.
Human rights organisations including Amnesty International Morocco/Senegal sections and the Moroccan Association for Human Rights have called for independent monitoring of the detainees’ health and an urgent review of their detention status.
The hunger strike has heightened diplomatic tension between Dakar and Rabat at a time when both nations are also negotiating AFCON-related security and travel protocols.
This is a developing story with serious humanitarian and diplomatic implications.
By Akai Akeobong
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