LONASE Allocates 18 million FCFA to Senegalese Fans Detained in Morocco Following AFCON Unrest
Senegal’s national lottery operator, LONASE, has announced a donation of 18 million FCFA (€27,440) to support 18 Senegalese football fans currently detained in Morocco. The funds, distributed through the Lonase Foundation, will provide 1 million FCFA (€1,524) to each supporter to assist them and their families during their imprisonment.
The fans were arrested in Rabat following unrest during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, in which Senegal defeated Morocco 1-0. On February 19, a Moroccan court sentenced the group on charges of violence, damage to stadium property, and attempted pitch invasion. Sentences range from three months to one year, with nine supporters receiving the maximum one-year term.
The detention has sparked significant concern in Senegal, where families have staged protests in Dakar to demand the supporters’ release. While early reports indicated the fans began a hunger strike to protest a lack of translation services during their legal proceedings, recent updates suggested that they are currently physically stable and have not faced mistreatment.
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Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, recently speaking during a parliamentary session in Dakar, described the sentences as regrettable and inconsistent with the traditionally friendly relations between the two nations. Sonko confirmed that diplomatic discussions are ongoing, including the potential for a pardon from King Mohammed VI or a transfer that would allow the men to serve the remainder of their sentences in Senegal.
LONASE Director General Dr. Toussaint Manga stated: “In this blessed month of Ramadan, for Muslims, and Lent, for Christians, the Senegalese National Lottery (LONASE), in a spirit of solidarity faithful to its slogan, ‘Fortune to subscribers, benefits to the Nation,’ has decided to bring its financial support to the 18 Senegalese fans detained in Morocco.”
This financial contribution from LONASE reflects a broader trend of the lottery operator’s expanding social spending on community projects and emergency aid within the country.
