In a gesture of great diplomatic and humanitarian significance, the Royal Cabinet announced on Saturday 23 May 2026 that His Majesty King Mohammed VI has granted a pardon to the Senegalese supporters convicted following the incidents that occurred during the final of the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) football tournament in January 2026. This sovereign decision comes to mark the occasion of Eid al-Adha and is based on the long-standing fraternal ties between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Senegal. The official statement emphasises that this measure exemplifies the core values of Moroccan identity, such as clemency, benevolence and tolerance. The supporters in question had been arrested in Rabat following disturbances during the tournament held from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026. Having been convicted in February 2026 for acts of vandalism, they have now been released.
To mark Eid al-Adha, King Mohammed VI of Morocco has granted a pardon to the Senegalese football fans who were convicted following the Africa Cup of Nations final in January 2026 in Rabat. This compassionate decision celebrates the historic fraternal ties between Morocco and Senegal, as well as the Kingdom’s values of clemency. The beneficiaries, initially sentenced in February 2026 for hooliganism, will be released this Saturday, 23 May 2026. This gesture strengthens South-South diplomacy and cooperation. The President of the Republic of Senegal has expressed his deep gratitude to the Moroccan sovereign.
“Our compatriots detained in Morocco following the incidents that occurred on the fringes of the Africa Cup of Nations are free. They will soon be reunited with their families, by the Royal Grace that His Majesty King Mohammed VI has graciously granted them on the occasion of Eid al-Adha. I extend my most sincere thanks to His Majesty for this decision, which is marked by clemency and humanity. Senegal and Morocco share a long-standing bond of brotherhood, which this gesture, once again, honours. Eid Mubarak to His Majesty the King and to the entire Moroccan people.”
Bassirou Diomaye Faye, President of the Republic – Senegal
For international observers, this move reinforces Morocco’s standing as a key player in continental cooperation. Indeed, Morocco has demonstrated a strong economic commitment to Senegal across several key sectors, such as banking, insurance, healthcare, agricultural inputs and construction, making it a major economic partner for Morocco on the continent. This pardon also illustrates the core values underpinning Moroccan identity, foremost among them generosity and a spirit of tolerance.
“This pardon by His Majesty the King demonstrates a strong desire for reconciliation between the two countries. At the same time, it reflects a commitment to enhancing South-South cooperation. In this sense, it positions Morocco as a country which, despite differences, prioritises diplomacy, particularly between African states. On the other hand, Morocco demonstrated organisational capability during the previous Africa Cup of Nations despite a complicated conclusion. Through this pardon, His Majesty the King is also easing tensions for the continent’s supporters, particularly as the World Cup approaches.”
Ousman Ahmed Nib, International relations expert – Cameroon
In the first ten months of 2025, trade between Morocco and Senegal stood at $300 million, whilst Moroccan investment in Senegal exceeded $540 million. This royal gesture marks a new milestone in the friendship between Morocco and Senegal, transforming a difficult sporting episode into a symbol of African solidarity during a major religious festival. This action reinforces the continental stature of King Mohammed VI, whose strategic vision has made Morocco the leading African investor in West, Central and East Africa and the second-largest in terms of trade flows on a continental scale.
