The General Union of Senegalese Students in Morocco (UGESM) officially denied reports of targeted attacks against Senegalese students on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.
The rumors, which began circulating on social media following the Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal, had caused significant anxiety among the student community and their families abroad. In a formal statement released in Rabat, the student organization clarified that after thorough investigations conducted by its local branches and regional leaders, no confirmed incidents of violence or harassment have been reported to the authorities.
UGESM emphasized that the current situation across the Kingdom remains calm and firmly under control. The union described the relationship between the Senegalese and Moroccan communities as peaceful and noted that Moroccan authorities continue to uphold their commitment to the safety of all residents. To prevent further panic, the organization urged students and their families to exercise discernment and refrain from sharing unverified content that could fuel unnecessary tension.
The union remains fully mobilized and is maintaining constant communication with the Senegalese Embassy in Rabat to monitor the welfare of its members. Both diplomatic missions and civil society organizations have used this occasion to remind the public of the dangers of misinformation on digital platforms. Moving forward, the UGESM recommends that students rely exclusively on official embassy channels and union updates for reliable information regarding their security and well-being in Morocco.
MK/AK/fss/abj/APA