After station controversy, Senegal calls for brotherhood ahead of AFCON final

The Senegalese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has entered the debate surrounding the Africa Cup of Nations final scheduled this Sunday, between Senegal and Morocco at Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. In a statement, the ministry underscored that «this sporting event should above all be an occasion to celebrate the brotherhood between two peoples linked by a long shared history and deep economic, humanitarian, and spiritual ties».

The ministry’s intervention follows two statements issued by the Senegalese Football Federation. The first, released on Friday, raised concerns about security arrangements during the Senegalese team’s arrival at Rabat-Agdal train station after traveling from Tangier. A second statement, published on Saturday, expressed appreciation for the intervention of the president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, which helped ease the situation.

In its statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recalled the longstanding friendship and solidarity between Senegal and Morocco, noting that «these relations, founded on mutual respect and a shared vision of African and global challenges, have grown stronger over the decades».

In what appears to be a clarifying note, if not a subtle correction of the federation’s earlier remarks, the ministry added: «Since the start of the Africa Cup of Nations, the Kingdom of Morocco has demonstrated exemplary cooperation. The Senegalese authorities express their satisfaction with the continuation of this fraternal approach and extend their thanks to the Moroccan government».

The ministry also stressed that Senegal views sport, and football in particular, as a powerful tool for unity and social cohesion. The final, it said, should be experienced as a celebration of African talent, continental unity, and the deep bonds of brotherhood between the Senegalese and Moroccan peoples, far removed from any temporary tensions.

Finally, the ministry called on all stakeholders, supporters, and the wider public to uphold a spirit of responsibility, respect, and fair play, in keeping with the strength of Senegalese-Moroccan relations and in order to preserve the image of African football on the international stage.