Benin Reaffirms Unwavering Support for Morocco’s Sovereignty Over Sahara, Next Bilateral Commission to Be Held in Dakhla

Cotonou, Benin – July 21, 2026 — The Republic of Benin has once again reaffirmed its unwavering support for Morocco’s territorial integrity and sovereignty over its entire territory, including the Sahara, while endorsing the Kingdom’s Autonomy Plan as the only credible and realistic solution to the regional dispute.

The position was officially announced in a Joint Communiqué issued following the 7th Session of the Morocco-Benin Joint Cooperation Commission, held in Cotonou and co-chaired by Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, and Benin’s Minister of Foreign Affairs with responsibility for the Integration of People of African Descent, Corinne Amori Brunet.

Benin Backs Morocco’s Autonomy Initiative

In the communiqué, Benin reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara and reiterated its support for the Moroccan Autonomy Plan, describing it as the only realistic and credible basis for achieving a lasting political settlement under the framework of the United Nations.

The Beninese government also welcomed the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797, which reinforces international support for the UN-led political process and recognizes Morocco’s Autonomy Initiative as the foundation for reaching a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable resolution to the dispute.

High-Level Visit to Dakhla Announced

In a significant step toward strengthening bilateral cooperation, Foreign Minister Corinne Amori Brunet announced that she will soon travel to Dakhla to witness firsthand the region’s economic and social transformation.

The visit will focus on exploring investment opportunities and identifying areas for future partnerships between Benin and Morocco, reflecting growing African interest in the Kingdom’s development model in its Southern Provinces.

Dakhla to Host Next Morocco-Benin Cooperation Commission

Highlighting the deepening strategic partnership between the two countries, both governments agreed that the next session of the Morocco-Benin Joint Cooperation Commission will be held in the city of Dakhla.

The decision is widely viewed as another strong diplomatic signal of Benin’s recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara and its commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation across sectors such as trade, infrastructure, agriculture, investment, and regional development.

Growing African Support for Morocco

Benin’s renewed endorsement adds to the growing number of African nations that have publicly backed Morocco’s Autonomy Plan as the most practical and sustainable solution to the Sahara issue.

As diplomatic support continues to expand across the continent and beyond, Morocco’s initiative is increasingly recognized internationally as the framework capable of delivering a peaceful, lasting, and mutually acceptable resolution while promoting stability, regional integration, and economic development throughout Africa.