At the 17th World Social Forum held in Cotonou, Benin, from August 9-10, 2026, participants rejected Morocco's efforts to promote its colonialist narratives regarding Western Sahara. The forum, a global gathering of civil society organizations, became a platform where the Sahrawi people's struggle for self-determination was reaffirmed.
According to reports from the Sahara Press Service (SPS), the Moroccan delegation faced significant opposition from attendees who expressed solidarity with the Sahrawi cause. The forum's discussions highlighted the ongoing dispute over Western Sahara, which the United Nations considers a non-self-governing territory.
The event underscored the growing international support for the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) and its right to independence. Participants called for the implementation of UN resolutions and the holding of a referendum on self-determination, as previously agreed upon.
This development marks a setback for Morocco's diplomatic efforts to gain recognition of its sovereignty over Western Sahara, which have included proposals for autonomy under Moroccan rule. The Sahrawi people, represented by the Polisario Front, continue to demand a free and fair referendum.
