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Rabat – The organizing committee of the 2019 African Cup of Nations has released the competition’s official music video. However, the video, released on Wednesday June 19, could be seen as a direct provocation to Morocco’s territorial integrity as it displays the flag of the self-proclaimed Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) .
The music video entitled “All Together,” is performed by renowned Egyptian singer Hakim, along with Nigeria’s Femi Kuti, and Dobet Gnahore from the Ivory Coast.
The song’s lyrics speak about unity and diversity in Africa. However, a map of Africa appears at the end of the video, showing the flag of the self-proclaimed SADR.
The inclusion of the flag is a provocative move as any support for the Polisario front is an ultimate red line for Morocco’s foreign policy and national sovereignty.
The action is even more surprising as SADR is not among the squads who have qualified for the 2019 tournament, due to begin on June 21.
Read Also: Egypt Removes Polisario Flag from 2019 CAN Ticketing System
The CAN committee and Egypt are both well aware Morocco’s position regarding such unfriendly actions towards its territorial integrity, casting doubt on the inclusion being a coincidence.
In May, the committee listed Polisario in ticketing system for CAN 2019, a move which did not go unnoticed. To protest the inclusion, Morocco’s Royal Football Federation (FRMF) submitted a letter to Egypt’s football federation, requesting clarification on the apparent provocation.
FRMF also submitted a letter to the African Football Confederation (CAF) to protest the move.
Morocco’s complaint was received with a nod as the organizing committee removed the flag of the separatist group from the competition’s ticketing system, claiming it was an administrative accident.
It remains to be seen whether the FRMF will file a complaint against the most recent provocative move from the organizing committee.
