Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita (right) met with Burundi’s Foreign Minister Edouard Bizimana (left) in Rabat to discuss bilateral relations and Morocco’s territorial integrity
Diplomatic reinforcement between Rabat and Bujumbura
On Friday, June 19, 2026, Burundi reaffirmed its unwavering and steadfast support for Morocco’s full sovereignty over its national territory, including the Western Sahara region. This declaration came during high-level talks in Rabat between Burundi’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Edouard Bizimana, and his Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita.
The meeting culminated in a joint communiqué where Bujumbura not only endorsed Rabat’s autonomy initiative as the only credible and realistic solution to the decades-long regional dispute but also pledged its full backing for ongoing United Nations-led negotiations based on this framework.
Regional support grows for Morocco’s autonomy plan
This latest endorsement from Bujumbura reinforces the growing diplomatic momentum behind Morocco’s position. The Burundian government also welcomed the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2797, which it described as a formal endorsement of the autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty as the foundation for a fair, durable, and mutually acceptable political settlement.
The timing of this support is significant as Rabat continues to expand its diplomatic outreach across Africa and beyond to consolidate international backing for its initiative. The Moroccan government has intensified engagements with African nations, emphasizing the importance of regional solidarity in resolving the Western Sahara question.
Historical context and diplomatic evolution
Burundi’s public reaffirmation of support follows a pattern of increasing African endorsements for Morocco’s position over recent years. The latest diplomatic exchanges in Rabat reflect a strategic alignment between the two countries, particularly in matters of regional stability and territorial integrity.
As Morocco advances its diplomatic offensive, the international community continues to recognize the autonomy initiative as a pragmatic pathway toward lasting peace. This growing African support, including from Burundi, underscores the plan’s viability as a basis for negotiation and a potential turning point in one of the region’s most enduring conflicts.