We explore the recent African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament and its impact on the Moroccan diaspora, particularly in Brussels, which hosts one of Europe's largest Moroccan-origin communities. A youth worker, educator, and football fan, Youssef Faraj joins the discussion to dissect how the tournament was experienced, its effect on community relations, Pan-Africanism, colonial memory, and integration into Belgian society. Faraj highlights the strong feeling of being "robbed" among the Moroccan diaspora following the controversial penalty decision on Brahim Díaz, which has since led to a noticeable shift in inter-diaspora relations. We also delve into the complex history and relationship between the Moroccan and Congolese communities in Brussels. The conversation covers the distinct migration streams and urban geography of both groups in the city, touching on issues like ethnic-based districts, economic disparities in shop ownership, and the concept of a pan-African district. A central theme is the contrasting football allegiances: while Moroccans overwhelmingly root for Morocco, the rationale for Congolese supporting the Belgian national team is explored as a nuanced form of "decoloniality" and a path to empowerment through sport, given the lack of infrastructure in Congo. This leads to a discussion of why Moroccan players born in Belgium, such as Saibari, Adnan, and Talbi, often choose Morocco over Belgium, which has sparked accusations of being "traitors to the nation" in Belgium. The episode closes by examining the identity crisis Morocco faces in Africa, where it is often perceived as not African enough.

00:00 Introduction

02:30 The Mood in Brussels After the AFCON Final 

04:28 Moroccan and Congolese Communities: A History of Relations in Brussels

06:33 Urban Geography and Segregation

10:36 The Respect and Trigger Points Between Moroccans and Congolese Communities in Brussels

12:50 Why Congolese Choose Belgium, and Moroccans Choose Morocco

15:20 Colonial Memory and Sport

16:05 The Moroccan Connection to Home and the "Traitors to the Nation" Debate

18:24 AFCON's Impact on Brussels' Public Space and Police Response

24:15 Allegiances in Brussels: Moroccan, Congolese, and Pan-Africanist Support

31:43 Street Football Culture and Its Role in Moroccan Youth Life

36:40 The Stereotype: Moroccan Talent vs. Institutional Acceptance

42:54 Xenophobia and the Far Right

48:10 AFCON's Soundtrack: Music, Language, and Brussels Creole

50:30 Moroccan Identity and the Need for African Introspection

53:05 The Arab-Slavery Narrative and Chemism as a Challenge to Moroccan Africanity

57:21 The Final Aftermath: Segregated Celebrations and the Politics of Space

Youssef Faraj is a consultant and project manager who is immersed in football and sports culture in Belgium. His interests range from education and youth to organizational culture change and learning design, particularly non-formal education. 

Connect with Youssef Faraj 👉 https://x.com/yofaraj

Hosted by Hanane Harrath & Hisham Aidi

Hanane Harrath specializes in contemporary politics and history of the Arab world, as well as contemporary Islam, she began her career in print media (Le Monde des religions, Le Nouvel Observateur, Le Courrier de l'Atlas) before moving into broadcasting. 

Connect with Hanane Harrath 👉 https://instagram.com/hananeharrath

Hisham Aidi is a Moroccan-American political scientist, author, music critic, filmmaker, and senior lecturer in international relations at the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University. His research interests include comparative race politics, art and social movements, and the political economy of development. 

Connect with Hisham Aidi 👉 

https://instagram.com/uptown_berber

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