Senegal has moved to ease lingering tensions following the chaotic Africa Cup of Nations final, with Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko reaffirming what he described as a “special friendship” between his country and Morocco.
Speaking on Monday in Rabat, Sonko said relations between the two nations remain intact despite the emotions stirred by the dramatic AFCON final on January 18, where Senegal defeated Morocco to lift the trophy.
In the aftermath of the match, supporters from both sides had engaged in heated exchanges on social media over the incidents that overshadowed the closing moments of the game.
Sonko made it clear that his visit to Morocco was not intended as a damage control exercise. He explained that it was “not a trip to calm things down, but a trip to confirm, move beyond, and re-establish the link in a manner befitting two countries that respect each other, get to know each other, and work together to look to the future.”
His comments were delivered during a meeting of a joint Moroccan-Senegalese committee, which he co-chaired alongside Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch.
Addressing members of both governments, Sonko urged that the incidents seen during the final be viewed in context, saying, “The lapses that have been observed (…) should be reclassified as an emotional excess resulting from enthusiasm, and not as political or cultural factors.”
Akhannouch, for his part, underlined the depth of ties between the two countries, stressing that relations between Morocco and Senegal are “built on solid foundations.”
His position echoed remarks made last week by King Mohammed VI, who voiced confidence that “African brotherhood” would prevail over the “unfortunate incidents” that marked the continental final.
The visit concluded with the signing of 17 cooperation agreements covering areas such as higher education, industry, agriculture and the digital economy. Plans are also in place for a Moroccan-Senegalese economic forum to be held during Sonko’s stay in the Kingdom, which comes just over ten days after Morocco’s 1-0 defeat to Senegal after extra time in the AFCON final.
That decisive match was played amid intense tension. A late penalty awarded to Morocco following a VAR review, moments after a Senegal goal was ruled out, sparked strong reactions from the Senegalese players. Several members of the “Lions of Teranga” briefly left the pitch before returning following intervention from captain Sadio Mane.
The unrest extended into the stands, where a number of Senegalese supporters attempted to invade the pitch for nearly 15 minutes as Ibrahim Diaz prepared to take the penalty, which he eventually missed. Eighteen Senegalese fans are currently facing trial on charges of “rioting” linked to the match, with their next court hearing scheduled for January 29.
Beyond football, the broader relationship between the two nations remains significant. Sub-Saharan African nationals account for 59.9 percent of foreign migrants living in Morocco based on 2024 estimates, a sharp increase from 26.8 percent in 2014. Senegalese citizens represent the largest foreign community in the Kingdom, making up 18.4 percent of the migrant population, according to figures from the High Commission for Planning.
