AFCON 2025: Will Mohammed VI Pardon Senegalese Supporters?

Moroccan justice has sentenced 18 Lions of Teranga supporters to prison terms ranging from three months to one year following incidents at the Rabat stadium after Senegal’s victory. Having waived their right to appeal to avoid prolonging their detention, the convicted supporters are now at the center of high-level political mediation.

On Bladi.net : CAN 2025: Senegal condemns Morocco’s harsh sentences after final

According to information reported by Maghreb Intelligence, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has chosen to prioritize clemency over legal challenges. By appealing directly to the Moroccan sovereign, Dakar is opting for a strategy that respects Moroccan sovereignty, seeking to transform this post-competition standoff into an opportunity to reaffirm the fraternal ties between the two countries.

On Bladi.net : Morocco Sends Strong AFCON Justice Message After Senegal Fan Violence

Alongside the state’s efforts, religious diplomacy has also been activated through the intervention of Ahmet Khalifa Niass. In a letter addressed to the Commander of the Faithful, the dignitary invoked the centuries-old spiritual ties uniting the two nations, stating that “more than half of Senegalese people have a Fassi heart.” In his view, an act of forgiveness “would resolve a thousand ills” now that “the games are behind us.”