French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez has urged prefects to bolster security measures across France during the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) on Friday and Saturday, as well as for the semi-finals next Wednesday. The mobilization aims to prevent any public order disturbances, following the overflows seen after Algeria's victory in the round of 16.
Laurent Nuñez, the French Interior Minister, sent a telegram to prefects on Thursday, calling for increased mobilization of law enforcement to anticipate risks of disturbances during the key matches of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN). According to AFP, which accessed the document, this directive follows the gatherings in France triggered by Algeria's victory in the round of 16 last Tuesday, which led to overflows.
The quarter-finals began on Friday with Morocco's 2-0 win over Cameroon in Rabat, followed by Senegal's 2-0 victory against Mali in Tangier. On Saturday, Algeria will face Nigeria in Marrakech, while Egypt plays Ivory Coast in Agadir. The semi-finals are scheduled for Wednesday.
Nuñez emphasizes adapting police deployments to local contexts, taking into account risks identified by prefectural services. He calls for full use of administrative police powers, especially to counter the misuse of pyrotechnic devices and fireworks mortars. Prefectural orders banning their sale and circulation must be strictly enforced.
This preventive measure comes amid fervent celebrations by Algerian supporters and other communities over their teams' progress, potentially sparking tensions in France.
