Africa, Arab or Amazigh?. . . Morocco’s identity crisis
The FIFA World Cup in Qatar this year has been defined by controversy. Qatar was granted the privilege of hosting the event despite its poor human rights record. The Emir of Qatar put an Arab cloak on the shoulders of Lionel Messi as he was about to lift the trophy on Sunday.
Moroccan team Atlas Lions beat Spain in the World Cup semi-final. The winger Sofiane Boufal thanked all Moroccans for their support. He later apologised for not mentioning the African continent's backing of the team. The use of "Arab" to describe Morocco alienated many people who do not identify as such. Morocco is a member of both the Arab League and the FIFA. It is also home to a large Berber population. Some estimates put it at nearly 40% of its population of 34 million. Tamazight is now recognised as an official language alongside Arabic.
