Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko ‹ › The conviction of 18 Senegalese fans by a Moroccan court for hooliganism during the Africa Cup of Nations final is taking on a political dimension. Speaking before parliament, Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko expressed regret over the ruling, saying, «It seems that this issue has gone beyond the realm of sports, which is unfortunate». «For two countries that present themselves as friends, like Morocco and Senegal, matters should not have reached this point», he added, lamenting what he described as «the handling of this case, which does not honor» the strong ties between the two nations. Sonko said Senegal has «done everything that should be done» to secure the release of its citizens, without elaborating. Asked whether King Mohammed VI might grant a pardon, he avoided a direct answer but indicated that, failing this, Senegal could activate a bilateral agreement allowing its nationals to serve their sentences at home. His remarks contrast with statements he made on January 26 in Rabat, during the opening of the 15th session of the Moroccan-Senegalese Joint High Committee. At the time, he acknowledged that «sporting passion can sometimes lead to unacceptable excesses», while insisting that «these acts do not in any way reflect political disagreements» and that «sports cannot be a factor of division between nations». Nine of the fans were sentenced to one year in prison and fined 5,000 dirhams. Six received six-month terms and fines of 2,000 dirhams, while the remaining three were given three months in prison and fined 1,000 dirhams.
