Moroccan Doctors and Students in Senegal Condemn Post-AFCON Final Violence

The Moroccan Medical Council in Senegal (CMMS) and the Association of Moroccan Students in Senegal (LEMS) issued a joint statement strongly condemning acts of violence and escalation that affected dozens of Moroccan students in Senegal following the Africa Cup of Nations final.

The statement read: “Following the Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal, we observed with deep concern the occurrence of tensions and unfortunate incidents that affected some members of the Moroccan community in Senegal.”

It continued: “The Moroccan Medical Council in Senegal and the Association of Moroccan Students in Senegal strongly condemn any act of violence, provocation, or stigmatization, regardless of its source. Sport, especially football, must remain a means of promoting brotherhood, mutual respect, and rapprochement between peoples, and under no circumstances can any excesses or hostile behaviors be justified.”

The statement further added: “We strongly reiterate that relations between Morocco and Senegal are historical, deep, and centuries-old, based on strong spiritual, cultural, humanitarian, and diplomatic ties. These exemplary relations cannot and should not be affected by the outcome of a football match or a sporting competition, regardless of its importance.”

It clarified: “Therefore, we issue an official appeal for calm, self-restraint, and responsibility from both sides, and we call on all Moroccan and Senegalese communities to preserve the spirit of brotherhood and peaceful coexistence that has always characterized our two brotherly peoples.”

The statement concluded: “We also call on the Senegalese National Police and the competent authorities to take all necessary measures to ensure the security of persons and property, protect Moroccan and Senegalese citizens, and play their full role in mediation and de-escalation to avoid any escalation or recurrence of such incidents.”