Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko describes the court ruling as regrettable and hints at activating a bilateral prisoner-transfer agreement.

Senegal’s Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, has condemned the prison sentences handed down by a Moroccan court to 18 Senegalese football supporters following an incident during an international match.

The supporters were convicted over a pitch invasion that occurred after the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final on January 18. They were arrested in Morocco and charged with acts of violence against security personnel and damage to property.

A Moroccan court subsequently sentenced the fans to prison terms ranging from three months to one year, alongside fines of up to $545.

Reacting to the ruling, Prime Minister Sonko expressed disappointment, describing the situation as regrettable and unnecessary.

“It seems this matter goes beyond the realm of sport, and that is regrettable,” Sonko said. “For two countries that call each other friends, like Morocco and Senegal, things should not have gone this far.”

Sonko further noted that Senegal could invoke a bilateral agreement between both countries that allows for the mutual transfer of convicted persons, should diplomatic efforts fail to resolve the issue.