A group of Senegal football supporters detained in Morocco after the AFCON 2025 final have returned home following a humanitarian royal pardon granted by Moroccan authorities.
According to Senegalese and Moroccan media reports, the fans had been arrested in the aftermath of disturbances linked to celebrations and crowd incidents following the Africa Cup of Nations final earlier this year.
Officials confirmed that King Mohammed VI approved the pardon as part of humanitarian and diplomatic efforts between the two African nations. The decision was welcomed by Senegalese officials and families of the detained supporters.
Senegal’s foreign ministry said the supporters safely arrived back in Dakar after coordination between Moroccan and Senegalese authorities helped secure their release.
The incident had sparked concern among football supporters and human rights observers after several fans reportedly faced legal proceedings linked to post-match unrest.
Relations between Morocco and Senegal remain strong politically and economically, with both governments emphasizing cooperation and regional solidarity following the resolution of the case.
The AFCON 2025 tournament attracted massive crowds and intense regional attention across Africa, with security challenges reported in several host cities during and after major matches.
Officials from both countries have not released the exact number of supporters included in the pardon, but local media described the move as an important diplomatic gesture aimed at easing tensions and promoting goodwill.