Benin has reiterated its support for Morocco’s Autonomy Initiative as a serious and credible solution to the regional dispute over the Sahara, during the United Nations Committee of 24 (C24) session held in New York from June 9 to 20.
Speaking at the session, Benin’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Marc Hermanne Araba, welcomed the growing international backing for the Moroccan proposal, which has been recognized by the UN Security Council as a serious and credible basis for resolving the conflict.
The ambassador also commended Morocco’s sustained efforts to promote inclusive and sustainable development in its southern provinces, highlighting the positive impact of economic, social, and environmental initiatives in the region. He noted that the opening of Consulates General by several countries in Laayoune and Dakhla reflects increasing international engagement and will help boost local economic opportunities.
Ambassador Araba further called for the resumption of the roundtable talks, maintaining the same format and participants—Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania, and the Polisario.
He concluded by reaffirming Benin’s support for the efforts of the UN Secretary-General to reach a lasting, realistic, and mutually acceptable political solution to the Moroccan Sahara issue.
