King Mohammed VI's Upcoming Visit to Melilla
There is growing anticipation surrounding the potential visit of King Mohammed VI of Morocco to the border town of Beni Enzar, which is situated adjacent to Melilla. This visit is reportedly scheduled to coincide with the presence of Spanish monarchs King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia in the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla on Tuesday and Wednesday. According to information sourced from official Moroccan media and insiders in Rabat, the King will inaugurate a new marina and fishing port in Beni Enzar, a move that aligns with the strategic development initiatives surrounding the Nador West Med port, which is one of Morocco's key projects.
The timing of King Mohammed VI's visit is intriguing, as it occurs just a short distance from where the Spanish royals will be. Analysts suggest that his presence may be interpreted as a reaffirmation of Morocco's claims over the territories of Ceuta and Melilla. However, the final decision regarding the visit appears contingent on the King’s health status and his advisors' recommendations concerning potential diplomatic tensions with the European Union. Recently, the King indicated before the Moroccan Parliament that cooperation on migration with Spain has reached its limits, rejecting negotiations under any form of coercive pressure, especially following the migration crisis that peaked last summer.
Potential Reactions and Implications
Local political dynamics are also heating up, with Yahya Yahya, a former senator and mayor, organizing protests on October 13 and 14 in response to the visit of the Spanish royals. While Rabat has remained silent on these mobilizations, the economic implications of the new Beni Enzar port are substantial, as it is expected to attract cruise ships and compete directly with Melilla's local businesses. The Moroccan press has criticized the royal visit, with publications like Le360 labeling it a "provocation" and warning that it risks undermining the diplomatic thaw initiated in 2022 between Morocco and Spain, which was formalized through a mutual respect agreement regarding sovereignty.
Political scientist Abdelghani Ayadi has commented that this visit sends a clear signal regarding the sovereignty of Spain over its territories, though he does not foresee an immediate escalation into a crisis. He outlines three possible scenarios: a political or media response without escalation, a diplomatic protest that could resolve the issue, or Rabat utilizing the visit to reignite its territorial claims. Historical precedents exist, notably a diplomatic fallout in 2007 when King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofía visited Ceuta and Melilla, leading to Morocco withdrawing its ambassador from Madrid for over two months. It is pivotal to note that Morocco does not recognize Spanish sovereignty over these cities, viewing them as occupied territories.
As reported by elfarodemelilla.es.
