Stepping onto the vibrant streets of Dakar, a subtle sense of apprehension lingered. The reason? The recent Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) final. This significant football match, as widely discussed, had unfortunately become a source of friction, seemingly straining the long-standing Morocco Senegal relations. While anecdotal, the sentiment of a rift was palpable.
Amadou, a taxi driver in his fifties, exuded warmth and politeness. Knowing I was Moroccan, he engaged in casual conversation. Yet, his closing remark, “Despite everything, Senegal and Morocco are brothers…“, carried a weight. This seemingly unifying statement, with its “despite everything” qualifier, inadvertently underscored the very tension it aimed to dismiss, highlighting a deeper, unspoken sentiment regarding Morocco Senegal relations.
It prompts reflection: does a single football game possess such destructive power? Or did it merely serve as a catalyst, the final drop in an already overflowing cup, exposing underlying fragilities in the relationship?
The topic of the CAN final surfaced unexpectedly in various conversations, a lurking presence ready to disrupt the atmosphere. In the bustling bazaars of Dakar’s central Plateau district, while negotiating for local fabric, the merchant’s pricing seemed arbitrary. “That’s 13,000 XOF (CFA francs) per meter,” he stated. My attempts at 10,000, then 11,000, were met with firm refusals. I tried the classic appeal: “We are your brothers from Morocco!” This invocation of fraternity, or a heartfelt “assalamou alaykoum” signalling shared faith, typically eases negotiations across Africa. Not here. The vendor stiffened, his demeanor hardening: “Ah, if it’s Morocco, then it’s 20,000 XOF!“
«one hopes these troubled sentiments will soon dissipate, in both Senegal and Morocco…»
It was an unspoken dismissal, an indirect request for us to leave the stall, almost like unwelcome intruders.
Later, a human rights activist, dedicated to combating female genital mutilation, interjected during a discussion: “Please, free our brothers detained in Morocco; what are you waiting for?” The demand for the release of Senegalese supporters arrested after the infamous final reappeared as a recurring plea from various individuals, a constant undercurrent in Morocco Senegal relations.
Some openly confessed to boycotting businesses owned by Moroccans. Their candor was striking, devoid of diplomatic niceties. Yet, to soften the blow, they would often add: “In Senegal, we genuinely like Moroccans…“
This affirmation, while likely true, felt incomplete. The ellipsis at the end invited a host of unspoken sentiments: anger, frustration, misunderstanding, and even lingering hurt. One can only hope that these troubled sentiments will soon dissipate, in both Senegal and Morocco, allowing genuine Morocco Senegal relations to flourish.
Governments and football federations will eventually reconcile, as shared interests and reason ultimately prevail. However, the emotional wounds of individuals tend to heal differently, and often, much more slowly.
This visit to Senegal was, as they say, short and impactful. While touched by the aforementioned tensions, it was far from ruined. Many residents of Dakar, with their profound human warmth, infectious joy for life, and sincere friendship – free from any lingering ellipses – made the experience truly memorable.