The comment has drawn sharp reactions across diplomatic and political circles, raising questions about Algeria’s positioning within the African continental agenda at a time it is actively campaigning for top roles within the African Union system.

Boutbig, considered one of the leading candidates for the PAP presidency, remarked in a context that observers say reflects a broader narrative among some Algerian officials who often highlight proximity to Europe as a marker of economic and developmental progress.

The statement has, however, triggered criticism from analysts who argue that such positioning could undermine confidence in Algeria’s commitment to advancing African integration and identity.

The controversy is further deepened by Algeria’s ongoing efforts to expand its economic footprint across the continent while simultaneously promoting its national products in European markets through officials like Kamel Rezig.

Political observers say the mixed messaging risks portraying Algeria’s African engagement as strategic rather than ideological, especially at a time when the Pan-African Parliament is expected to play a stronger role in shaping continental unity and policy direction.

“The leadership of the Pan-African Parliament requires a clear belief in Africa’s potential,” a regional policy analyst noted. “Any suggestion that progress is measured by proximity to Europe could weaken a candidate’s standing among member states.”

Boutbig’s opponents are already seizing on the remark, framing it as evidence that his political outlook may be more aligned with external benchmarks than with Africa’s development priorities.

The Pan-African Parliament, as the legislative arm of the African Union, plays a key role in promoting democratic governance, integration, and cooperation among member states. Its leadership contest is often closely watched as a reflection of broader geopolitical alignments within the continent.

As campaigning intensifies, Boutbig’s comment is likely to remain a focal point in debates over identity, loyalty, and the future direction of Africa’s continental institutions.

Now the AFCON trophy is something of a thorn in the two countries’ sides.

On Rue Mohamed V, the street where Moroccan vendors are based in the Senegalese capital, a police van is parked.

“The police have been on high alert since the Confederation of African Football (CAF) decided to award the title to Morocco, but there have been no incidents,” a local resident told AFP.

CAF stripped Senegal of its title on March 17, over the team’s angry departure from the pitch after a penalty was awarded to Morocco late in second-half stoppage time.

In a photo the following day, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye was seen in his office with the trophy behind him.

Senegal has lodged an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) over the matter, and some fans have meanwhile called for a boycott of Moroccan goods.

On March 18, Dakar called for an international investigation into “allegations of corruption within the CAF leadership” in a statement that sent a chill through Morocco.

“An official (Senegalese) document mentioned corruption. It insinuates that Morocco is the corrupting influence without, of course, any evidence and this could have repercussions,” Morocco’s Aziz Daouda, a track and field official and former athlete, told AFP.

He added that “comments made by certain Senegalese football officials are damaging relations” between the two countries, referring to allegations that Morocco controls CAF.

‘Hostages’ of Morocco
 

One of Senegal’s points of contention is the detention of 18 Senegalese football fans in Morocco for more than two months now.

They were sentenced on February 19 to prison terms ranging from three months to a year for hooliganism.

Minutes before the end of the match, some Senegalese supporters attempted to storm the pitch while Senegal’s players halted the game for nearly 20 minutes in protest of the late penalty to Morocco.

The appeal hearing for the 18 fans was postponed for a second time on Monday until April 13.

Dozens of demonstrators in Dakar called for their release at the end of February, describing them as “hostages” of Morocco.

“One gets the impression that this affair goes beyond the realm of sport and that is regrettable. For two countries that claim to be friends, such as Morocco and Senegal, things should not have come to this,” Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko said in late February, lamenting the supporters’ convictions.

That said, Morocco’s relationship with Senegal is “unique, specific and extraordinary”, Senegal’s Director of Religious Affairs Djim Ousmane Drame said in a recent article.

“Morocco has always been the only (African) country with which diplomatic relations with Senegal are based on an emotional bond and popular appeal, beyond the institutions and bilateral ties,” Bakary Sambe of the Timbuktu Institute think tank told AFP.

Fez, for example, is a favourite destination for many Senegalese Muslim followers of Tidianism, an influential brotherhood in Senegal whose founder, Cheikh Ahmed Tidiane, is buried there.

Moroccan authorities meanwhile made no comment and “preferred not to get involved in this football affair” following the CAF decision, Daouda said.

Business, diplomacy partners
 

In late January in Rabat, Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch spoke of a “natural, lasting” relationship with Senegal where he said Morocco has invested more than $540 million.

Many Moroccan companies operate in Senegal, particularly in the food, pharmaceutical, energy, construction, mining, banking and insurance sectors.

On the international stage, the two countries’ diplomatic views are generally aligned.

Senegalese nationals constitute the largest group of foreign residents in the kingdom (18.4 percent), according to official figures, and a robust student exchange also exists between the two countries.

“There are many of us on both sides trying to calm down all those hotheads from both camps who enjoy spreading irresponsible claims, lots of ‘fake news’ and plenty of insults,” Daouda said.

Former Senegalese foreign minister Cheikh Tidiane Gadio wrote in early February that “a hundred minutes of football will never be able to ruin a thousand years of close ties between Senegal and Morocco”.

-AFP

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The announcement was made in a government statement delivered by Mali’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdoulaye Diop, following a high-level meeting with Morocco’s Foreign Minister, Nasser Bourita, in Bamako.

According to the statement, the decision came “following a thorough review” of the Western Sahara issue, which Mali said has direct implications for peace and security in the sub-region. As a result, Bamako declared that it no longer recognises the SADR, a self-proclaimed state backed by the Polisario Front.

The visit of Bourita to Mali was undertaken under the directive of King Mohammed VI, reflecting Morocco’s sustained diplomatic push to consolidate support for its position on Western Sahara across Africa.

In a notable policy alignment, Mali expressed its support for Morocco’s autonomy proposal, describing it as “the only serious and credible basis” for resolving the dispute. The Malian government added that granting genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty represents “the most realistic solution” to the conflict.

Mali also reaffirmed its backing for ongoing international efforts to resolve the issue, including initiatives led by the United Nations. It specifically referenced support for the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy and the provisions of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797 (2025), which addresses the situation in Western Sahara.

The Malian government stated that it would formally communicate its new position to regional and international organisations of which it is a member, as well as to members of the diplomatic corps accredited in Bamako.

Mali’s decision is expected to have wider diplomatic implications within Africa, where countries remain divided over the status of Western Sahara, one of the continent’s most enduring geopolitical disputes.

• Iranian media says five players secretly left the hotel
• Australian media said players were seeking government help after ‘breaking free’
• Trump says Albanese is doing very good job in ‘delicate situation’

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday he had spoken to Australian Prime ​Minister Anthony Albanese about the Iranian women’s soccer team after reports that five players had sought asylum in Australia.

Iran’s ‌semi-official Fars news agency said five players in Australia for the Asian Cup secretly left the team hotel with Australian police, and media reports said they were seeking Australian government assistance after “breaking free”.

People attempt to block a bus transporting Iranian players following the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Group A match between Iran and the Philippines at Gold Coast Stadium on the Gold Coast, Australia, March 8, 2026. AAP/via REUTERS

After initially posting on social media that Australia was “making a terrible humanitarian mistake” by allowing the team to be sent back home, Trump said in a later post that he had ​spoken to Albanese and that the Australian leader was “doing a very good job having to do with this rather delicate situation”.

Trump said ​five members of the Iran squad “have already been taken care of, and the rest are on their way”.

“Some, however, ⁠feel they must go back because they are worried about the safety of their families, including threats to those family members if they don’t return,” ​he said.

Australia’s SBS News said five players from the Iranian women’s team were now under the protection of the Australian Federal Police, seeking assistance ​from the government. It said government sources had confirmed the reports, adding that Australia’s Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke had flown to Brisbane to meet with the women.

The Iranians’ campaign in the Australian-hosted Asian Cup tournament started just as the U.S. and Israel launched air strikes on Iran, killing the Islamic Republic’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. They were eliminated on ​Sunday after losing 2-0 to the Philippines.

In his earlier post, Trump said members of the team would “likely be killed” if forced to return to Iran. “The U.S. ​will take them if you won’t, ” he added.

Australia’s embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Trump’s remarks.

FIFPRO VOICES CONCERNS

Soccer’s global players’ union FIFPRO ‌said on ⁠Monday there were serious concerns for the welfare of the Iranian team after being labelled for refusing to sing their national anthem before a game.

The players’ decision to stand in silence during Iran’s anthem before their first match against South Korea was labelled by a commentator on Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting as the “pinnacle of dishonour”.

Iranian media quoted Farideh Shojaei, vice president for women’s affairs at the Iranian Football Federation, as saying the team had left ​the hotel through the back door ​with the police.

“We have contacted the ⁠embassy, the football federation, the foreign ministry and anywhere possible to see what will happen,” she said. “We have even spoken with the families of these five players.”

Iranian media named the players as Zahra Sarbali, Mona Hamoudi, Zahra ​Ghanbari, Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramazani-Zadeh.

It said other team members were still in Australia and quoted Shojaei ​as saying the squad ⁠had planned to return to Iran via Dubai, but the United Arab Emirates had not allowed them to do so.

It said efforts were now expected to be made for the team to return via Malaysia and Turkey.

The Iranian team sang their national anthem and saluted before their second match against Australia, sparking fears among ⁠human rights campaigners ​that the women had been coerced by government minders.

When asked whether Australia would grant the ​players asylum, Matt Thistlethwaite, the assistant minister for foreign affairs and trade, said the government could not go into individual circumstances for privacy reasons.

-Reuters

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Speaking during an extraordinary ministerial meeting of the League of Arab States held on Sunday to discuss Iran’s attacks on Arab states, Bourita stressed that Morocco views any threat to Gulf countries as a direct threat to itself.

“What harms you harms us, and what affects us affects you,” Bourita said, reiterating Morocco’s long-standing commitment to the security of Gulf nations.

The meeting, attended remotely by the Moroccan minister, was convened to address what participants described as Iran’s aggression against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Arab countries.

Bourita noted that Morocco’s position reflects the policy consistently articulated by King Mohammed VI, who has repeatedly emphasised solidarity with Gulf partners. He revealed that the Moroccan monarch recently held telephone conversations with leaders of Gulf states to express Morocco’s support for their sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.

The minister also recalled the king’s remarks during the Moroccan-Gulf Summit on April 20, 2016, where Mohammed VI declared that defending shared security among Arab nations is “not only a common duty but an indivisible one.”

During the emergency session, Bourita strongly condemned what he described as “brutal Iranian attacks” on Arab countries, calling them a blatant violation of their sovereignty and a serious threat to regional stability. Morocco, he said, stands in full solidarity with the affected states and supports any legitimate measures they deem necessary to safeguard their citizens and territories.

He further accused the Iranian regime of pursuing destabilizing policies across the region, alleging that Tehran seeks to create and support militias and groups loyal to it in order to undermine the stability and interests of neighboring countries.

Bourita urged Arab nations to strengthen unity and collective action through the League of Arab States as the most effective means of protecting regional security and safeguarding national sovereignty.

Concluding his remarks, the Moroccan foreign minister called for a unified Arab stance against actions that threaten regional stability and demanded the immediate cessation of Iranian attacks, saying such a move would open the door for diplomacy, dialogue and de-escalation in the region.

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In a statement issued Saturday by the Royal Cabinet, the Moroccan monarch disclosed that he held separate telephone conversations with key Gulf leaders, including Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates; Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa; Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia; and Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

According to the Royal Cabinet, King Mohammed VI strongly condemned the attacks targeting the sovereignty of the “brotherly states” and reiterated Morocco’s readiness to stand by them in any legitimate measures they consider necessary to safeguard their security and ensure the safety of their citizens.

The statement underscored the “deep fraternal ties and enduring solidarity” binding Morocco to the Gulf nations, stressing that the security and stability of the Arab Gulf region are inseparable from Morocco’s own national security.

“Any infringement upon their integrity constitutes a serious and unacceptable aggression and a direct threat to regional stability,” the statement read.

Morocco has long maintained close political, economic and security ties with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, with cooperation spanning investment, energy, defence and diplomatic coordination on regional issues.

Saturday’s high-level consultations signal Rabat’s intention to reinforce those alliances at a time of heightened regional tensions, while affirming its position that threats to Gulf states are viewed as threats to broader Arab and regional stability.

The Royal Cabinet did not provide further details on the nature of the attacks referenced in the conversations, but the statement reflects Morocco’s consistent diplomatic posture of collective Arab solidarity in times of crisis.

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The extreme weather, which particularly impacted the Gharb plain and Loukkos regions, caused widespread flooding and large-scale displacement across several provinces.

According to a press release from the Office of the Head of Government, His Majesty, mindful of safeguarding citizens’ safety and improving their living conditions, directed authorities to implement an urgent and comprehensive response plan, alongside the necessary regulatory measures required in such circumstances.

In line with these instructions, the Head of Government issued a decree declaring the weather conditions a catastrophic event. The most affected communes in the provinces of Larache, Kénitra, Sidi Kacem and Sidi Slimane have officially been designated disaster areas.

The aid and support programme, equivalent to roughly $328 million, was designed following an in-depth field assessment and a detailed evaluation of the economic and social repercussions of the disaster.

The breakdown of the package includes:

• $85 million (MAD 775 million) for rehousing affected families, compensating for loss of income, rehabilitating damaged homes and small businesses, and reconstructing collapsed houses.
• $25 million (MAD 225 million) in in-kind assistance and reinforced emergency interventions to meet immediate and essential needs.
• $33 million (MAD 300 million) in targeted support for farmers and livestock breeders.
• $186 million (MAD 1.7 billion) allocated for the rehabilitation of roads, hydro-agricultural infrastructure and basic public service networks.

The statement further emphasised that the King has instructed the government to ensure the programme is executed in an exemplary, swift and responsible manner, enabling affected citizens to return to normal living conditions as quickly as possible.

Official figures indicate that the severe weather caused flooding across more than 110,000 hectares of land and displaced nearly 188,000 people in the four affected provinces.

The large-scale intervention underscores Morocco’s commitment to rapid recovery and long-term reconstruction following one of the most significant weather-related disruptions in recent years.

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Guardiola was speaking at a pre‑match press conference ahead of City’s League Cup semifinal second leg against Newcastle United, five days after he voiced support for children in the occupied Palestinian territories at a charity concert in Barcelona.

“Never, ever in the history of humanity have we had the information in front of our eyes watching more clearly than now,” Guardiola told reporters on Tuesday in Manchester.

“The genocide in Palestine, what happened in Ukraine, what happened in Russia, what happened all around the world – in Sudan, everywhere,” he said, referring to the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories.

“What happened in front of us? Do you want to see it? It’s our problems as human beings. It’s our problems.”

He said society must work collectively to improve.

“Look what happened in the United States of America, Renee Good and Alex Pretti were killed. Tell me how you can defend that,” Guardiola said. The fatal shootings of the two U.S. citizens by federal immigration agents sparked widespread protests in the United States.

“When I see the images, I am sorry it hurts. That is why in every position I can help speak up to be a better society, I will try and will be there. All the time. It is for my kids, my family, and for you.

“There is no perfect society, nowhere is perfect, I am not perfect, we have to work to be better.”

-Reuters

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In a joint statement issued after the 15th session of the Morocco–EU Association Council held in Brussels, the EU expressed clear support for the work of the Al-Quds Committee and praised the Moroccan monarch as a champion of peace and a credible, trusted actor in advancing a two-state solution to the conflict.

The statement also underscored Morocco’s constructive and forward-looking role in regional cooperation initiatives. Discussions during the Council session focused on key developments in the shared neighbourhood between Morocco and the EU, with particular attention given to the initiative for the benefit of the African Atlantic countries.

Launched by King Mohammed VI in 2022, the African Atlantic Initiative brings together 23 African countries with Atlantic coastlines. The project seeks to structure the African-Atlantic space as a platform for dialogue and cooperation, to enhance regional stability, fostering shared development, and promoting deeper economic integration.

According to the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the political dialogue held during the Association Council meeting reaffirmed the relevance of the King’s strategic vision and Morocco’s growing role as a central actor in promoting peace, stability and shared development across its region.

The Morocco–EU Association Council was co-chaired by Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Living Abroad, Nasser Bourita, and the European Union’s High Representative, Kaja Kallas.

The session also featured the participation of the EU Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šujka, alongside several European foreign ministers, including those of Spain, the Netherlands, Slovakia, Estonia, the Czech Republic and Malta, as well as senior representatives from all EU member states.

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In a message issued on behalf of the followers of the Qadiri Boudchichiya Order in Morocco and across the world, Dr. al-Qadiri Boudchichi expressed profound gratitude, love and allegiance to the Moroccan monarch, praising his steadfast commitment to the promotion of moderate Sunni Sufism as a cornerstone of spiritual harmony and social stability.

Speaking to the press, the Sheikh described the anniversary as a significant spiritual moment and an opportunity to acknowledge the continuous royal care and high patronage extended by King Mohammed VI to Sufism rooted in moderation, balance and openness.

“This spiritual commemoration allows us to express our deep appreciation for the constant support that His Majesty has granted to moderate Sunni Sufism, which plays a vital role in reinforcing the values of spiritual peace, social equilibrium and human coexistence,” Dr. al-Qadiri Boudchichi said.

He added that the followers and adherents of the Qadiri Boudchichiya Order, both within Morocco and in the diaspora—particularly in Europe—are united in reaffirming their unwavering support for the King’s efforts to advance Morocco’s development and enhance its spiritual and cultural influence at regional and international levels.

The Sheikh also commended King Mohammed VI’s pioneering role as Commander of the Faithful in strengthening the institution as a guarantor of religious and doctrinal unity, a safeguard of moderation and tolerance, and a global advocate for intercultural and interfaith dialogue.

According to Dr. al-Qadiri Boudchichi, these royal efforts have positioned the Moroccan religious experience as a model admired and emulated worldwide.

He further noted that the message reflects the deep spiritual and historical bond between the Qadiriyya-Boudchichiyya Sufi Order and the Alawite Throne, reaffirming the order’s enduring commitment to serving Morocco’s religious and national values under the wise leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, whom he prayed God would preserve and grant continued success.

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