Morocco’s ambassador to Senegal said Tuesday that the Moroccan Embassy in Dakar has not received any formal complaints from members of the Moroccan community following incidents linked to celebrations after the Africa Cup of Nations final, except for one attack on a café in the Senegalese capital and the assault of three Moroccan students.
Hassan Naciri, Morocco’s ambassador to Senegal, told Hespress AR that Senegalese police intervened in the incidents and that the situation is generally moving toward calm.
His remarks came after videos circulated online showing a Moroccan-owned café in Dakar being attacked during Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal, hosted in Morocco.
According to Naciri, the embassy recorded only one additional incident involving three Moroccan students who were harassed and assaulted while passing near a gathering of Senegalese supporters at Place de la République.
He said no other official complaints have been filed by Moroccan nationals in Senegal.
Regarding the café incident, the ambassador described the events as regrettable. He said the establishment, whose owner is well regarded by both Senegalese and Moroccans, was hosting between 150 and 200 customers at the time of the match, including Senegalese nationals and Moroccan residents, with entry set at an affordable price.
Naciri said customers were surprised when some individuals began throwing stones at the café’s windows during the match, forcing Moroccans inside to take cover while police were alerted. He added that several Senegalese present attempted to persuade the attackers to stop.
Once Senegalese national police arrived, the stone-throwing ended, but all windows and doors of the café were damaged, he said. During their retreat, the attackers allegedly stole five motorcycles, three belonging to Moroccans and two to Senegalese nationals.
The ambassador said Senegalese police have opened an investigation into the incident and are expected to continue inquiries, noting that the café is equipped with surveillance cameras.
Naciri said he personally visited the café, met with its owner and assessed the situation. He added that the establishment resumed operations on Monday evening, one day after the final.
He also denied rumors circulating online about a similar attack on another Moroccan-owned café in a different Senegalese city.
The ambassador said the embassy contacted Moroccan students and professionals in Senegal to ensure their safety and confirmed they are continuing their studies and professional training normally.
“Overall, the situation is moving toward calm,” Naciri said, stressing that aside from the café incident and the assault on the three students, the events were relatively limited.
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