Senegal fans case fuels protests and detainee updates

Mo. Basuony

Published: March 2, 2026 4:54 AM ET

Senegal fans case fuels protests and detainee updates

Anger has surged in senegal as hundreds marched in Dakar demanding the release of 18 supporters detained after the Africa Cup of Nations final in Morocco. Conflicting accounts of the sentences and new details about detention conditions, consular visits and diplomatic options have emerged.

Senegal protest march in Dakar

Hundreds took to the streets of Dakar this Saturday to demand the release of 18 fans who were detained after the Africa Cup of Nations final. A separate notice of protests described a group organizing a protest march today in Dakar to press for the supporters’ release.

Sentences, trials and reactions

One account said the 18 fans were handed prison terms ranging from 3 to 18 months. Another account said the supporters were found guilty of "hooliganism" after the Africa Cup of Nations final on January 18 and were sentenced last Thursday to prison terms ranging from three months to one year. The defense denounced the verdict as a "sham trial. " Through their lawyer, Patrick Kabou, the convicted men said they now consider themselves "hostages. "

The angry crowd in Dakar also urged the Senegalese government to exhaust all diplomatic and legal avenues. Addressing the National Assembly a week ago, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko assured that the government would do everything in its power and mentioned the possibilities of a royal pardon or transferring the convicted fans.

Detention conditions and consular visits

Following the verdict, the detainees were divided into two groups and distributed between El Arjat 1 and El Arjat 2 prisons located near Rabat. Reports say the men have suffered psychological shock but are "holding up well, " and that no mistreatment has been inflicted upon them, "contrary to some reports. " They receive ongoing consular assistance, including regular visits from the Senegalese consul in Casablanca. The Moroccan Human Rights Commission has also taken up the case to ensure their rights are respected.

Diplomacy, pardon and transfers

Having not appealed, the supporters are now placing their hopes on diplomatic channels. A royal pardon is being considered and could be granted during the celebrations marking the end of Ramadan. The Senegalese government has announced financial assistance to support the families of the detainees. Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko mentioned both the possibility of a royal pardon and the option of transferring the convicted fans when speaking a week ago to the National Assembly.

Other items noted in reports

Coverage of the situation sat alongside a range of other items. One passage noted a headline reading "Closing 39. 4% Connectivity Gap: Starlink Expands Access to Senegal. " Technology coverage mentioned Qualcomm's Snapdragon Elite chips are reserved for the best Android phones and laptops and that the company has introduced the first chip in the series for wearables. Sports notes included that with World Cup roster spots still up for grabs, MLS players remain firmly in the USMNT conversation, and that the Eagles went just 5-26 this season and finished in dead last in the ACC. It was recorded that, with team co-owner Michael Jordan in attendance once again, Reddick became the first driver to win the first three races of a Cup Series season. Other sports items said Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray could be looking for a new home this offseason and that Dominiq Ponder was the Buffaloes' backup quarterback last season. International tournament reporting included that Iran was selected for Group G and was scheduled to play New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt from June 15-26. Financial coverage noted Wall Street was reacting to joint attacks from the US and Israel on Iran, spurring a retreat from risk assets. A technology-related detail stated the US is still using Anthropic's Claude in significant ways despite an announced phasing out. College basketball notes recorded that UConn remains the No. 1 overall seed and is joined on the seed line by Texas in the NCAA women's basketball tournament committee's second and final Top 16 reveal on Sunday. A brief item-only title in the files read "Just a moment... "

Protests in Dakar and the evolving information from detention sites, legal defenses and diplomatic options remain the central developments. Authorities, families and diplomatic channels are all now factors in whether the sentences will stand, be transferred or be the subject of a royal pardon during the end of Ramadan celebrations.