“Morocco’s policy is resolutely directed towards the African construction,” stressed the Senegalese intellectual in an interview with MAP news agency, on the sidelines of the 2nd Marrakech African Book Festival (February 8-11), explaining that “this policy led by His Majesty King Mohammed VI is a continuation of that of the late HM Hassan II.” 

“It seems to me that on an intellectual and creative level, the Marrakech African Book Festival is a symbol of this approach,” he said. 

He added that Morocco is now truly playing its role as a “crossroads”, being both a Mediterranean country and one with strong roots on the Continent.

“This is reflected in a number of ways, including Morocco’s significant economic presence in several African countries,” he said, highlighting the Kingdom’s strong presence in Senegal, a presence that is, among other things, spiritual, with such dense and age-old exchanges.

It is also a “very dynamic” and forward-looking presence, with, for example, a significant presence of Moroccan banking and finance sector in Senegal, noted Diagne, underscoring Morocco’s unwavering commitment and constant determination to play its part in building Africa and in the new common market of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Souleymane Bachir Diagne also expressed his delight at taking part in the 2nd edition of FLAM, describing this intellectual event as “magnificent” and “singular”.