18 Senegalese Held Over AFCON Match Begin Hunger Strike

18 Senegalese Held Over AFCON Match Begin Hunger Strike

At least 18 Senegalese nationals detained in Morocco following incidents linked to an AFCON match have reportedly gone on a hunger strike, protesting their continued detention and demanding urgent diplomatic and legal intervention.

The Senegalese nationals were arrested after disturbances broke out around an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) fixture involving Senegal, with Moroccan security forces accusing them of violating public order. However, families and rights advocates have insisted that many of those detained were football supporters who were not directly involved in any violence.

Sources familiar with the matter said the detainees launched the hunger strike to draw attention to what they described as prolonged detention without clear charges, limited access to legal representation, and poor detention conditions. Some of the Senegalese nationals are believed to have been held for weeks without being formally tried.

READ ALSO:

• Turaki-Led PDP NWC Rejects Move to Reopen Wadata Plaza for Wike Allies
• National Prayer Breakfast: Trump Vows Tough Response to Anti-Christian Violence
• Court Orders Probe into Evidence Tampering in Ali Bello’s N10bn Fraud Trial

The development has raised concerns among human rights groups, who are calling on Moroccan authorities to respect due process and ensure humane treatment of the detainees. They have also urged the Senegalese government to intensify diplomatic efforts to secure either their release or a speedy and fair trial.

Families of the detainees have appealed to Senegal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the country’s diplomatic mission in Morocco to intervene swiftly, warning that the hunger strike could pose serious health risks if it continues.

The incident has cast a shadow over the AFCON tournament, which is intended to promote unity and sportsmanship across Africa, while highlighting recurring concerns around fan treatment, crowd control, and security measures during major football competitions.

As of the latest update, Moroccan authorities have yet to publicly comment on the hunger strike, even as diplomatic engagements between both countries are believed to be ongoing.

18 Senegalese Held Over AFCON Match Begin Hunger Strike