AFCON 2025: A Wave of African and International Support and Praise for Morocco

Following the conclusion of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations hosted by Morocco, a broad wave of African and international voices has praised the Kingdom for the success of the tournament. Political leaders, former foreign ministers, lawmakers and international experts have highlighted Morocco’s deep-rooted African identity, the vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI in favor of continental unity, and the resilience of long-standing partnerships that transcend isolated sporting incidents.

Former Cape Verde foreign minister: Attempts to undermine Morocco’s image in Africa are doomed to fail

Luís Filipe Tavares, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defense of Cape Verde, stated that malicious attempts to damage Morocco’s image or weaken its relations with African nations are bound to fail, given the depth of historical ties and the credibility of Morocco’s coherent and responsible African engagement.

Speaking to MAP, Tavares emphasized that Morocco’s relations with Africa—particularly with Senegal—are grounded in a shared history, a common vision for the continent and a destiny built patiently over decades under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI. According to him, these ties are strategic, human and civilizational in nature and go far beyond the emotional reactions generated by a sporting event.

Former Liberian foreign minister: A successful edition that consecrates the Royal Vision for a united Africa

Gbehzohngar Milton Findley, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Liberia, described Morocco’s organization of the 35th edition of AFCON as a clear consecration of the enlightened Vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI for a united and integrated Africa.

He noted that the success of the tournament reflected the Kingdom’s exceptional hospitality and the generosity of its people, while embodying the Royal commitment to African fraternity, development and continental influence. Morocco’s long-standing African diplomacy, he added, is rooted in South-South cooperation and the promotion of solidarity and unity across the continent.

Former Malawian foreign minister: Leadership that Africa needs

Eisenhower Mkaka, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malawi and current member of parliament, stated that the Royal message issued after the tournament demonstrated “exactly the type of leadership Africa needs to move forward.”

He underlined that the incident that occurred in the final moments of the final match cannot define an entire tournament that stood out as a continental masterpiece. According to him, true leadership lies in recognizing challenges while preserving unity and long-term vision.

Former Gambian foreign minister: AFCON 2025 highlighted Morocco’s African roots

Mamadou Tangara, former Gambian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, praised Morocco’s organization of AFCON 2025 as a clear illustration of the Kingdom’s active solidarity and deep African anchorage under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.

Despite regrettable incidents surrounding the final, he stressed that the tournament was marked by a festive atmosphere enriched by Africa’s cultural diversity. He also denounced malicious campaigns aimed at undermining Morocco’s relations with Africa, reaffirming that the Kingdom’s long-standing commitment to South-South cooperation continues to yield tangible results.

French think tank: Morocco’s African anchorage is resilient and strategic

Khaled Hamadé, President of the International Institute for Geopolitical Studies (IIEG), highlighted that His Majesty King Mohammed VI reaffirmed a fundamental truth: Morocco’s relations with Africa are deeply rooted in shared history, common destiny and long-standing partnerships that go far beyond football.

According to the French geopolitician, Morocco has emerged as a major African soft power, built through decades of sustained engagement. The success of AFCON 2025, he said, reflects the trust placed in Morocco by the African continent.

Kenyan senator: AFCON 2025 embodied African fraternity

Kenyan Senator Mohamed Faki stated that Morocco’s organization of AFCON 2025 perfectly embodied the spirit of African fraternity and cooperation promoted by His Majesty King Mohammed VI.

He emphasized that the Kingdom demonstrated, throughout the tournament, values of solidarity, hospitality and mutual respect, reinforcing its role as a major African nation committed to shared prosperity and coexistence.

American expert: Attempts to manipulate Morocco’s African relations will fail

Samuel Millner, an American expert and professor at George Mason University, affirmed that Morocco’s deep-rooted partnerships with African countries make any attempt at manipulation or discrediting these ties ineffective.

He stressed that Morocco’s African identity is structural, not circumstantial, and reflects a strategic and civilizational choice pursued consistently under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.