On July 21, 2026, Benin reaffirmed its firm and consistent support for Morocco's territorial integrity and sovereignty over all its territory, including the Western Sahara region. The West African country also reiterated its backing for the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco as a solution to the long-standing dispute.
According to a statement from the Beninese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the country announced plans to open a consulate in Dakhla, a city in the disputed territory. This move aligns with similar actions by other African and Arab nations that have established diplomatic missions in the region to support Morocco's position.
The announcement was made during a meeting between Moroccan and Beninese officials, though specific details of the visit date were not disclosed. The autonomy plan, presented by Morocco in 2007, has gained increasing international support as a credible and realistic framework for resolving the Western Sahara conflict.
Benin's decision underscores growing diplomatic momentum for Morocco's stance on Western Sahara, with several countries opening consulates in Laayoune and Dakhla since 2020. The United Nations continues to seek a political solution to the dispute, which has been ongoing since the 1970s.
