The end is in sight for some of the Senegalese fans arrested during the last Africa Cup of Nations. On Saturday morning, three of the eighteen fans detained since the 2025 AFCON final were released from Al Arjat 2 prison, near Rabat, after serving their full three-month prison sentences.

A return to freedom under the banner of appeasement

Upon their exit, greeted by representatives of the Senegalese embassy, the three men displayed their relief. One of them even made a point of showing his respect for the host country by enthusiastically shouting, " Dima Maroc! "

As a reminder, they were being prosecuted for acts of "hooliganism" , including:

1. Violence against law enforcement.
2. Damage to sports equipment.
3. Lawn invasion and projectiles thrown.

It should be noted that a French national of Algerian origin, convicted for throwing a bottle during the final, was also released on the same day.

The legal battle continues for 15 supporters

While three supporters have been reunited with their families, the fate of 15 other Senegalese remains a concern. Sentenced to prison terms ranging from six months to one year , their sentences were upheld on appeal last Monday.

Faced with this situation, their lawyer, Maître Patrick Kabou , announced the imminent filing of a request for royal pardon with the Royal Cabinet.

"They consider that they have no dispute with the Kingdom of Morocco," the lawyer told RFI.

Necessary support

Despite these releases, Maître Kabou does not hide a certain bitterness, believing that these convictions should never have taken place. For now, the priority is human well-being.

1. Psychological support for those released.
2. Assistance with reintegration and re-establishing contact with families.
3. Ongoing legal support for the remaining detainees.

The outcome of this affair now rests in the hands of the Moroccan authorities, pending a gesture of clemency that would definitively close this tense post-CAN chapter.