ABIDJAN, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Senegalese government has facilitated the return of 68 Senegalese nationals who found themselves in difficult circumstances in Cote d'Ivoire, according to information received on Thursday from members of the Senegalese community in Abidjan.
These individuals, supporters of the Senegal national football team, had traveled to Cote d'Ivoire to cheer on their team during the 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
"Compatriots left for Cote d'Ivoire by their own means and by land to support the national football team during the Africa Cup of Nations and found themselves stranded in Abidjan for several days, due to lack of financial resources to return to Senegal," said one of the community leaders, Babacar Sow, showing a copy of a press release signed by the Ministry of Senegalese Abroad.
The 68 Senegalese nationals in distress were repatriated by air.
Senegal was among the 24 countries that participated in the AFCON 2023 in Cote d'Ivoire from January 13 to February 11. Several supporters had traveled to Cote d'Ivoire to support their team called "the Lions of Teranga".
Senegal, the defending champion, was knocked out of the competition by Cote d'Ivoire in the round of 16. ■
