Senegal: a soldier dismissed after his arrest in Morocco during the 2025 AFCON

A Senegalese soldier was discharged from the army following his arrest in Morocco during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2025 final, held on January 18, 2026, between Senegal and Morocco.

The soldier was among the 18 Senegalese supporters detained after incidents occurred during the match. The supporters were arrested following scuffles and disturbances that marked the end of the final. Tried by Moroccan justice, they received sentences ranging from three months to a year in prison. The soldier in question was sentenced to six months in prison and a fine of 125,000 CFA francs.

After several releases, King Mohammed VI granted a royal pardon on May 23, 2026, to the 15 supporters still held. They then returned to Senegal. However, upon returning to the country, the soldier was discharged from the army. The reason: his trip to Morocco without having obtained the necessary permission to leave the national territory.

The former soldier admitted his wrongdoing. “I will not condemn the army because I am at fault. I should not have left the country,” he stated according to local media. He explained that he took advantage of a leave to go to Morocco to attend the final, intending to return to Senegal before resuming his service.

After 16 years of service in the Transport Battalion, he now finds himself out of the ranks of the Senegalese army.