The final of the African Cup of Nations between Morocco and Senegal left its mark. Beyond the unfortunate incidents that occurred at the end of the match, what really attracts attention is the attempt by certain actors to transform a sporting event into a weapon of division between two African brothers. This is precisely what His Majesty King Mohammed VI denounced with firmness and wisdom in his message to Moroccans.
The Sovereign recalled a simple but fundamental truth: Morocco's relations with Africa, and in particular with Senegal, cannot be reduced to a football match. They are much deeper, much older, and above all much more solid than those who try to exploit them would like. Thequality, scope and historicity of these relationships, forged by decades of solidarity and concrete partnerships, cannot in any way be negatively impacted by the outcome of a football final.
A story that goes beyond the passions of one day.
When we look at the facts, we quickly understand that these attempts at manipulation are doomed to failure. Morocco and Senegal are not enemies today. They are lifelong partners. As early as 1960, when Senegal gained independence, Morocco was there to support it. The Kingdom was one of the sponsors of its admission to the United Nations. This is not a detail: it is the sign of real and active African solidarity, not a facade. Since then, the links have continued to strengthen. The 1964 Establishment Convention between Morocco and Senegal is unique in Africa: it grants nationals of the two countries a quasi-national status. This means that a Moroccan in Senegal or a Senegalese in Morocco are not foreigners, but almost nationals. This is what true African brotherhood is.
Concrete investments, not promises
Beyond the symbols, there is also economic reality. Morocco is investing massively in Senegal. In the banking sector, telecommunications, energy, training... These are not window dressing investments, but lasting partnerships which create employment and development. Senegal, for its part, recognizes Morocco as a credible, constant and deeply supportive strategic partner. This is what the highest Senegalese authorities affirmed, particularly after the incidents in the final. This says a lot about the strength of the relationship.
When reason must take precedence over emotion
What is remarkable in the reaction of His Majesty the King is precisely this: it calls for us to go beyond the passions of the moment to face reality. The Sovereign affirmed that “the inter-African fraternity will naturally regain the upper hand”. This is not wishful thinking, it is a certainty based on decades of strong partnership. Morocco also made it clear that it will not allow itself to be “dragged into rancor and discord”. In other words: those who try to create division between Morocco and Africa are wasting their time. The Moroccan people “know how to put things into perspective”, as the King emphasized.
A recognized African soft power
Today, Morocco is ranked third African power in terms of soft power. It is the result of decades of constant commitment to the continent. It is no coincidence that Morocco was able to successfully organize the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations: it is because the continent trusts the Kingdom. The Moroccan national team reached 8th place in the world, an exceptional result which also reflects a proactive and high-level sporting and infrastructure policy. But more importantly, it is a symbol of Moroccan ambition for Africa.
The manipulators are losing the lead
Those who are trying to sow discord between Morocco and its African brothers are banking on the emotion of the moment. They hope the passion of a football match will be enough to eclipse decades of partnership. It's a strategy doomed to failure, and for one simple reason: facts are stubborn.
Moroccan investments in Africa are real.
The thousands of Moroccans who work and live in Africa, and the hundreds of thousands of Africans in Morocco, are real. Institutional partnerships within the African Union, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and La Francophonie are real. None of this can be erased by football incidents.
Africa needs Morocco, Morocco needs Africa
His Majesty the King recalled: Morocco “will continue its determined and constant commitment to a united and prosperous Africa”. This is not an electoral promise, it is a state policy pursued for decades.
Africa today and tomorrow will be the beacon of global development.
And Morocco, alongside countries like Senegal, intends to be this beacon. Not by sowing division, but by building unity. Not by listening to the manipulators, but by listening to the voice of reason. Attempts to denigrate and discredit will fail. They come up against the force of facts, the density of real partnerships, and the depth of links forged by history and consolidated by daily action. The King's message is clear: Morocco will not allow itself to be distracted from its African mission by base and clumsy shenanigans. African brotherhood is stronger than the passions of one day. Together, let’s move forward towards a stronger, more united and more prosperous Africa.
And that's good for Africa.
https://www.mapexpress.ma/actualite/opinions-et-debats/sm-roi-cesse-confirmer-resilience-lancre-africain-du-royaume-think-tank-francais/
https://youtu.be/xbh3YON2xnA?si=7RAMYNi0IOZZRh5J
