Senegal continues to rely on diplomacy to extract those convicted of rioting during “Cannes”

Senegalese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cheikh Niang, revealed in media statements reported by “le soleil” newspaper, that his country is closely following the file of those detained due to the sports riots during the last “Cannes”, stressing that the discussions with the Moroccan side have entered an advanced stage, with the prospect of reaching a settlement in the near future.

The same official explained that the margin of action for Senegalese diplomacy was limited during the last period due to the ongoing judicial process, highlighting that “things have changed now after the end of the legal procedures, which gives us greater possibility to intervene and find an appropriate solution.”

Sharifa Lemuir, a political analyst, said that “the efforts of Senegalese diplomacy to protect its citizens come in light of adherence to the request for a comprehensive amnesty, which should not conflict with Moroccan sovereignty.”

Lemuir added to Hespress, “Senegalese diplomacy is moving with this effort despite the issuance of judicial rulings against the followers, with the recent release of convicts after they served their sentences, which requires Rabat not to tolerate all actions that affect the sovereignty of the Kingdom.”

The same spokeswoman stated, “Moroccan diplomacy today is fully aware of this fact, especially since the repercussions of the riots and acts of violence have exceeded the level of tolerance permitted. Therefore, today it is not possible to talk about consensual solutions that might translate into decisiveness and the preservation of state sovereignty apart from the total application of the law to all those involved in the riots and sabotage on Moroccan territory, which targeted the ‘Cannes’ final.”

Mohamed Nashtaoui, an expert in international relations, said, “The recent events have nothing to do with the outcome of the African Cup match, but rather it is a sovereign issue related to legal violations committed by the Senegalese fans in the city of Rabat.”

Nashtawi explained to Hespress, “These violations included attacks on police forces and organizers, in addition to breaking and sabotaging a group of public equipment.”

The same spokesman considered that “the trial of those involved comes within the framework of the Kingdom of Morocco exercising its legal sovereignty,” stressing “the necessity not to confuse the sporting result with the riot carried out by a crowd that was prepared to disrupt the organization and put pressure on Morocco.”

The same expert pointed out that “if the result had been in favor of Morocco, serious consequences would have occurred,” stressing the need to distinguish between the “barbaric act” carried out by the Senegalese public and the “responsible role” played by the Moroccan authorities.