Two Moroccan organizations in Senegal on Monday called on Senegal’s national police and relevant authorities to take all necessary measures to protect Moroccan residents following what they described as “regrettable incidents” affecting members of the Moroccan community after the Africa Cup of Nations final.
In a joint statement, the Coalition of Moroccan Doctors in Senegal (CMMS) and the League of Moroccan Students in Senegal (LEMS) said they had observed with “great concern” tensions and incidents involving some Moroccans living in Senegal following Sunday’s AFCON final between Morocco and Senegal.
The statement strongly condemned “all acts of violence, provocation or stigmatization, regardless of their source.”
The two organizations stressed that sport, particularly football, should remain a means of fraternity, mutual respect and closer ties between peoples, and should never serve as a justification for excesses or hostile behavior.
They recalled that relations between Morocco and Senegal are historic and deeply rooted, built on strong spiritual, cultural, human and diplomatic ties, adding that such “model relations” should not be affected by the outcome of a football match, regardless of its importance.
The groups issued a formal appeal for calm, restraint and a sense of responsibility on all sides, urging Moroccans and Senegalese alike to preserve the spirit of brotherhood and peaceful coexistence that has long characterized relations between the two peoples.
They also called on Senegal’s national police and competent authorities to ensure the safety of people and property, protect both Moroccan and Senegalese citizens, and fully play their role in mediation and de-escalation to prevent any escalation or recurrence of such incidents.
The CMMS and LEMS reaffirmed their commitment to social peace, coexistence and strengthening ties of friendship and cooperation between Morocco and Senegal.
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