Morocco's Historical Claims on Ceuta and Melilla
In recent developments, Morocco has intensified its diplomatic stance regarding the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla. Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi, in a recent interview, emphasized Morocco's "historical and geographical rights" over these territories and proposed a path towards a "definitive solution" for their status, advocating for their return to Moroccan sovereignty. This assertion was met with a swift and firm rejection from the Spanish government, which, through its Foreign Ministry, categorically dismissed any claims concerning the sovereignty of Ceuta and Melilla.
This latest assertion from Morocco is not an isolated incident; rather, it marks the continuation of a longstanding demand that has persisted through various administrations and shifts in power over the decades. Saadeddine Al Othmani, who served as Morocco's Prime Minister from 2017 to 2021, recently reiterated that these cities are "occupied Moroccan territories." Such claims date back to 1975, when the regime of King Hassan II brought the issue before the United Nations, seeking international acknowledgment of their demands, but received little support.
Recurring Tensions and International Context
Beyond the current diplomatic climate, Morocco's claims have historically caused friction between Madrid and Rabat. Al Othmani's recent statements echo sentiments he has expressed in the past, insisting that these cities should not be part of Spain. In an interview with the channel Al Ghad, he mentioned that this view enjoys "national consensus" in Morocco, framing it as the official stance of the Moroccan state. In December 2020, he drew parallels between Ceuta and Melilla and the Western Sahara, asserting that the issue of their sovereignty would eventually need to be revisited.
In 2020, Enaam Mayara, then President of the Moroccan Senate and a leader of the nationalist Istiqlal party, declared these cities as "occupied" by Spain and expressed intentions to reclaim them without resorting to armed conflict. The response from Spain, articulated by Defense Minister Margarita Robles, was unequivocal: “Ceuta and Melilla are Spanish, and there is nothing more to discuss.” The tension surrounding this issue is further compounded by Spain's historical context and the territorial disputes that remain unresolved, with the UN not recognizing Ceuta and Melilla as territories needing decolonization.
As reported by infobae.com.
