In a move rich in political symbolism, Morocco and Senegal have today turned the page on the debate sparked by the Africa Cup of Nations final between the “Atlas Lions” and the “Lions of Teranga,” demonstrating that their ties go beyond the football pitch. The Moroccan capital hosted the 15th session of the Supreme Joint Commission, during which 17 agreements and memoranda of understanding were signed across key areas, including higher education, agriculture, industry, fisheries, food safety, and the development of small and medium enterprises, alongside the creation of consular consultation mechanisms and joint youth programs.
Chaired by Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch and his Senegalese counterpart Ousmane Sonko, the session also served as a diplomatic opportunity to stabilize relations following the tensions of the final match. The shift from a “field crisis” to a political and economic milestone reflects Rabat and Dakar’s ability to turn temporary challenges into catalysts for strengthening bilateral cooperation, confirming that the strategic interests of both nations cannot be shaken by short-lived sporting incidents.
In his remarks, Akhannouch emphasized that the Joint Commission reflects “the Kingdom and Senegal’s commitment to developing multidimensional relations,” calling the meeting “an opportunity to give a fresh impetus to economic and social ties,” while highlighting the role of religious connections in reinforcing cohesion between the two countries. Sonko, for his part, stressed the need to “maintain balance in economic, social, and religious relations,” noting Senegalese companies’ ambitions to access the Moroccan market alongside ongoing Moroccan investments in Senegal, particularly in banking, insurance, energy, and construction sectors. Bilateral trade exceeded 3.7 billion dirhams (approximately 370 million USD) in 2024, signaling growing economic cooperation.
التحول من أزمة الملعب إلى نموذج شراكة جنوب–جنوب pic.twitter.com/g2bxoQ7SBE
— المغرب الآن Maghreb Alan (@maghrebalaan) January 26, 2026
These agreements follow the sports-related controversy in the final, where the referee awarded Morocco a penalty in the 90+8 minute after VAR review, prompting a temporary walk-off by the Senegalese team. The timely intervention of captain Sadio Mané restored order, in line with regulations that consider a team forfeited if it fails to return to the pitch within 15 minutes. Despite these tensions, officials from both countries affirmed that “sport cannot divide us,” emphasizing that bilateral relations are deeper and stronger than any temporary field dispute.
This session and the signed agreements carry a clear political message: Morocco and Senegal have chosen the path of constructive cooperation over conflict. The next step is expected to be a “joint economic forum” to implement the commitments made, making the Rabat-Dakar partnership a model for South-South cooperation, where shared interests outweigh any momentary disagreements, even on the sporting field.
