Moroccans in Senegal appealed to the police and authorities to ensure the safety of individuals and property, following attacks on Moroccan citizens after a “penalty kick” in the African Cup final.
Video clips showed an assault on Moroccans and a restaurant in Senegal coinciding with a penalty awarded to Morocco on the evening of Sunday, January 18, where several Moroccans were seen praying to God that Ibrahim Diaz would not score the goal, amid fears for their lives, after being pelted with stones by Senegalese while watching the match.
Following the spread of the scenes, a joint statement was issued by the gathering of Moroccan doctors in Senegal and the association of Moroccan students in Senegal, noting that they observed with great concern the occurrence of tensions and unfortunate events that affected some members of the Moroccan community in Senegal.
The two groups condemned acts of violence and provocation regardless of their source. They affirmed that in no case can excesses or hostile behaviors be justified.
In light of this situation, the Senegalese national police and the relevant authorities were called upon to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of individuals and property, protect Moroccan and Senegalese citizens, and fulfill their complete role in mediation and de-escalation, in order to avoid any escalation or repetition of these incidents.
