
Lawyer El Hadji Diouf has strongly criticized the Senegalese state's management of the case involving Senegalese football supporters still detained in Morocco after the Africa Cup. Speaking on Seneweb, Diouf stated that Senegal failed in its duty to protect its citizens, claiming the country "sacrificed its own citizens." He suggested that a high-level intervention, specifically the president calling the king to request their release, would have been sufficient. Diouf cited a precedent where former Head of State Macky Sall intervened for Y'en a marre activists abroad. He also lamented the lack of legal support, arguing that authorities should have mobilized a team of lawyers, including in Morocco, to ensure an effective defense for the detainees, noting that it appears only one lawyer is currently handling the case. Diouf expressed outrage at the perceived general indifference, stating, "We cannot celebrate a Cup while our sons are in prison," highlighting the contrast between public enthusiasm and the situation of the incarcerated supporters. Additionally, El Hadji Diouf voiced frustration over being excluded from Senegal's defense before the Court of Arbitration for Sport, claiming his attempts to contact Federation officials were unsuccessful and denouncing what he considers "opaque and politicized" management.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by SeneNews.
Must ReadFouzi Lekjaa, president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation FRMF since April 2014, is reportedly preparing to step down from his role to focus on his political career. This news comes as the Court of Arbitration for Sport CAS announced that the case concerning the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations AFCON is entering its decisive phase. Lekjaa, who has led Moroccan football for over ten years, is said to be joining the Authenticity and Modernity Party PAM ahead of the Moroccan legislative elections scheduled for September 23, 2026. This political move has been rumored for several weeks, despite an earlier public denial by Lekjaa. His third term as FRMF president technically ended in early June, with the elective assembly postponed to September, coinciding with the legislative elections. Concurrently, the CAS has informed the Senegalese Football Federation FSF, the Confederation of African Football CAF, and the FRMF that the arbitration panel for the FSF's appeal regarding the 2025 AFCON final has been constituted. The appeal challenges the CAF's decision to award the 2025 AFCON title to Morocco. While no direct link between Lekjaa's potential departure and the CAS announcement has been established, the timing has fueled speculation among observers, given the sensitivity of the AFCON 2025 case for the FRMF.

Habib Sy has announced his resignation as chairman of the Board of Directors of Senelec, effective July 21, 2026. In a letter addressed to the President of the Republic, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Sy cited "strictly personal reasons" for his departure, without providing further details. He officially informed the head of state of his decision to end his mandate, expressing gratitude for the trust placed in him and stating that he had carried out his responsibilities with loyalty and fidelity to administrative principles and values. Sy, a retired economic investigations commissioner, was appointed chairman of Senelec's Board of Directors during the Council of Ministers on May 15, 2024, succeeding Serigne Mbaye Dia, and had served in the role for just over two years.
Must ReadA recent Food and Agriculture Organization FAO report indicates that 20% of Africa's population suffers from undernourishment, despite a slight global decrease in hunger. Last year, 645 million people, or 7.8% of the world's population, experienced hunger, a figure that could rise due to conflicts in the Middle East and climate shocks. FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu stated that this 7.8% prevalence, the lowest ever recorded, shows that "hunger is not inevitable," but progress remains limited, uneven, and fragile. Africa is particularly affected, with 20% of its population experiencing chronic calorie deficiency. While the situation improved after the post-COVID economic crisis, it has not returned to pre-pandemic levels. The FAO projects that between 510 and 520 million people will be undernourished by 2030, with over half in Africa. David Laborde, Director of the Agri-Food Economics Division at the FAO, noted that the "center of gravity of hunger has shifted from Asia to Africa." He highlighted the resilience of farmers and food systems in preventing major famines despite international conflicts, climate shocks, and the COVID-19 pandemic, but warned of limited absorption capacity. Climate shocks are severely felt in Africa, and conflicts in Sudan, the Sahel region, and the Democratic Republic of Congo also impact access to land and income. The post-COVID economic rebound has created a "more unequal economic world," with growth not benefiting everyone. In addition to hunger,