In the wake of debates stirred by the Africa Cup of Nations final, Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko emphasized that his official visit to Morocco should be understood in its proper political and strategic context, far from any temporary or superficial interpretations.
Sonko made it clear that the visit is not intended as a “calming mission” or a response to the football match. He stressed that, no matter how intense the emotions on the field, sports cannot define or damage the deep, historic relations between Senegal and Morocco, which have endured through centuries of political change and regional developments.
Speaking Monday morning in Rabat at the opening of the 15th session of the Moroccan–Senegalese High Joint Commission for Partnership, Sonko described the visit as a “major political moment,” far beyond managing post-COVID-19 challenges or the fallout from a single sporting event.
He emphasized that the purpose is to reinforce the depth of ties between the two nations and to reaffirm the foundations of their strategic partnership, built over decades on trust and integration rather than on immediate reactions.
Referring to the tense moments surrounding the Africa Cup final, Sonko said that “painful images” were merely emotional outbursts caused by sporting enthusiasm, which in no way reflect any political, cultural, or human rupture between Moroccans and Senegalese.
He stressed that sports should never divide the two countries. Relations between Morocco and Senegal are deeply rooted in human, cultural, spiritual, and economic bonds, shaped by a long history of exchanges, student mobility, business interactions, and social and cultural interconnections between Dakar and Rabat.
Sonko added that these relations are not hostage to a single match or transient event. They are the result of decades of political trust, tested through complex regional and international moments, and proven resilient in the face of challenges.
He noted that the 15th session of the High Joint Commission should not be seen as a “soothing trip,” but rather as a “journey of affirmation, renewal, and strengthening of bilateral ties,” reflecting the shared political will to advance Moroccan–Senegalese partnership on a structured, strategic path.
Concluding his remarks, Sonko affirmed that Morocco–Senegal friendship “is stronger than temporary emotions,” and that both nations are capable of overcoming challenges without falling into division or escalation. He highlighted that sports should serve as a bridge for understanding and connection, not as a source of division, especially during major continental competitions like the Africa Cup of Nations.
