Rabat, Morocco – Eighteen Senegalese football supporters, along with one French national, appeared in court in Rabat, Morocco on Monday, February 11, 2026, following their detention after the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final. The group, arrested after Senegal’s loss to the Ivory Coast, is facing charges that remain largely unspecified, but their legal representation alleges significant violations of their rights during the detention process. The case has sparked concern among human rights advocates and raised questions about the treatment of foreign nationals in the North African nation.
The supporters were initially detained following clashes with Moroccan security forces after the AFCON final on February 11, 2026. Reports indicate that the arrests occurred amidst celebrations and, in some instances, confrontations following Senegal’s defeat. While Moroccan authorities have not released a detailed account of the charges, the detainees are reportedly accused of vandalism and public disorder.
Language Barrier and Communication Issues
A central point of contention raised by the supporters’ lawyer, Me Patrick Kabou, is the imposition of a French-only communication policy during family calls. According to Kabou, Moroccan authorities are now requiring detainees to speak exclusively in French when contacting their families. This presents a substantial obstacle, as the vast majority of the Senegalese supporters and their families primarily communicate in Wolof, a widely spoken language in Senegal.
“This language barrier creates total misunderstanding and deprives detainees of the opportunity to describe their actual conditions of detention to their families,” Kabou stated, as reported by Seneweb. The inability to communicate effectively in their native language is causing significant distress and hindering the detainees’ ability to receive support from loved ones. The lawyer argues this restriction is a deliberate attempt to isolate the supporters and obstruct their access to information and legal counsel.
Allegations of Procedural Irregularities
Beyond the communication restrictions, Kabou has voiced serious concerns about procedural irregularities in the case. He claims he has been repeatedly denied access to the case file and has been unable to confer privately with his clients. Kabou alleges that he has been consistently prevented from entering the Rabat Court of First Instance, despite being officially appointed as the legal representative for the 18 Senegalese detainees.
These obstacles, Kabou argues, are severely hampering his ability to mount an effective defense and ensure a fair trial for his clients. He has characterized the actions of Moroccan authorities as “tricherie” – a French term meaning deceit or trickery – suggesting a deliberate effort to obstruct justice. The lawyer has not detailed the specific nature of the alleged deceit, but the accusations underscore the growing frustration with the handling of the case.
Hunger Strike and Growing Concerns
The situation escalated further when the 18 Senegalese detainees initiated a hunger strike, according to a report from Al Jazeera. The protest is a demonstration of their desperation and a plea for improved conditions and access to legal representation. The hunger strike adds urgency to the calls for a transparent and fair legal process.
International Scrutiny and Diplomatic Implications
The detention and alleged mistreatment of the Senegalese supporters have drawn attention from international observers. While no official statement has been released by the Senegalese government, the case is likely to be a point of diplomatic concern between Senegal, and Morocco. The incident could potentially strain relations between the two nations, particularly given the shared passion for football in both countries.
The case too highlights broader issues surrounding the rights of foreign nationals in Morocco. Human rights organizations are closely monitoring the situation and are calling for a thorough investigation into the allegations of abuse and procedural irregularities. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for the treatment of foreign nationals arrested in Morocco in the future.
What’s Next?
The Senegalese supporters were present in court on February 11, 2026, but chose not to respond to any questions, according to their lawyer, as a sign of protest. The next court date is currently unscheduled, but Me. Kabou is continuing to push for access to the case file and the opportunity to meet with his clients. Archysport will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as they grow available. The situation remains fluid, and the fate of the 18 Senegalese supporters and the French national remains uncertain.
This article will be updated as more information becomes available.
