Morocco's Political and Military Clout Threatens Canary Interests

Antonio Morales, the president of the Gran Canaria Cabildo, has issued a stark warning regarding the escalating political, economic, and military assertiveness of Morocco. He emphasizes that this situation poses a direct threat to the Canary Islands, particularly in light of recent events in Ceuta. Morales urges the Spanish and European institutions to take prompt and decisive action to safeguard the strategic interests of the archipelago. "Today it is Ceuta; tomorrow, if we do not act, it could be the Canary Islands," he stated, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

Geopolitical Implications of Recent Events

Reflecting on the tensions that unfolded in Ceuta at the end of July and the renewed disturbances at the border, Morales contends that these incidents should not be viewed solely through a migratory lens. Instead, they must be placed within a broader geopolitical context that has direct implications for the Canary Islands. "I'm not just talking about migratory pressure; I have been warning for months about Morocco's growing assertiveness and its direct consequences on our sovereignty and strategic interests," he remarked.

Morales highlighted the significant shift in Morocco's approach during recent crises in Ceuta. He pointed out that while there was a reported lack of control during the earlier crisis, Morocco demonstrated stringent control of its maritime and land borders when social media circulated calls for attempts to access the city on August 15. He argued that this behavior illustrates Morocco's ability to leverage migratory pressure as a political tool, stating, "They open or close access at their convenience." Furthermore, he recalled recent proclamations from Morocco's Minister of Justice asserting Moroccan sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla.

Morales stresses that the events in Ceuta should serve as a wake-up call regarding other movements that directly impact the Canary Islands, suggesting that these developments are part of a broader strategy of established facts that could undermine the archipelago's interests.

As reported by eldiario.es.