In preparation for the highly anticipated visit of King Felipe VI, Spanish authorities took significant measures by deploying dozens of police officers alongside soldiers to dismantle the last migrant camp located in the historic center of Ceuta. This operation took place just 48 hours before the monarch's arrival in the Spanish enclave, scheduled for Tuesday, October 13. The visit will include stops at the local city hall, various schools, and a religious ceremony honoring deceased migrants, marking King Felipe VI's first trip to Ceuta since he ascended to the throne in 2014. Following his time in Ceuta, the king is expected to travel to Melilla, another Spanish autonomous city situated on the African continent.
This visit is particularly sensitive, coming shortly before Spain's anticipated general elections and in the wake of a significant influx of migrants arriving from Morocco. This crisis has heightened tensions between Spain and Morocco, with Rabat asserting its sovereignty over the enclave. Additionally, the situation has strained relations between the Spanish government and local authorities, especially concerning the challenges faced by unaccompanied minors. While many individuals who entered the enclave have either left or been returned within hours, thousands remain in the small territory of 18 square kilometers, often found on the streets or in the hills around the city, despite the government's efforts to open reception centers for those displaced from makeshift camps on the beaches.
In the historic center of Ceuta, where Spanish flags abound and the slogan "Ceuta is not for sale, Ceuta defends itself" is often displayed, it is difficult to spot the remaining migrants. However, the significant police presence underscores the exceptional nature of the situation. Gema Miralles, a 54-year-old beautician, voiced her concerns, stating, "Of course, this affects coexistence a bit. What we all want, Muslims, Hindus, Jews, and Christians, is for them to leave and let us live, because they cannot stay here. They entered illegally." This sentiment reflects the ongoing tensions in a region that has been a point of contention since 1956 when Morocco gained independence.
A Symbol of Division in Europe
Ceuta has also become a rallying point for Europe’s far-right factions. On the eve of the king's visit, Jordan Bardella, president of the National Rally party, visited the enclave alongside Santiago Abascal, leader of the Vox party. Both leaders criticized the socialist government of Pedro Sanchez, accusing it of creating a "pull factor" through its immigration policies. Officially, Felipe VI's presence is intended as a gesture of support for a population that has endured months of crisis. However, the visit also serves to reaffirm Spanish sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla, an issue that has fueled discord between Madrid and Rabat since Morocco's independence.
Experts suggest that repeated migration crises and alleged laxity in Moroccan security forces may be used as diplomatic leverage. Following the massive influx of undocumented migrants in July, several Spanish police reports implicated Moroccan authorities, claims that Rabat has denied, as has Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who stated there was no solid evidence that Morocco orchestrated the migrant exodus to Ceuta. Within this context, Felipe VI's upcoming visit will be closely scrutinized, particularly by public opinion in Morocco, where many perceive this diplomatic gesture as provocative. A resident of Casablanca expressed strong feelings, stating, "This is a provocation! As king, he should not come to an occupied city; he should have sent his advisor or prime minister instead. Moroccans will not forget this."
The last visit by a Spanish monarch, that of Juan Carlos I in 2007, sparked a diplomatic uproar, leading Morocco to recall its ambassador to Madrid for consultations. Despite this history, sources from El Pais indicate that the likelihood of a new diplomatic rift is low, suggesting that King Felipe VI's visit has the tacit approval of Mohammed VI. This has yet to be confirmed by either Rabat or Madrid. In his first public comments regarding the Ceuta events, Mohammed VI emphasized the importance of the partnership with Spain while rejecting any insinuation of pressure or blackmail, referencing Spanish criticisms of Morocco's handling of the situation. He stated, "We affirm that the partnership is a sovereign choice and a voluntary commitment, which should not be subject to any pressure or threat, nor blackmail." In September, Morocco's foreign ministry had already stressed the significance of its relationship with Spain, particularly following Spain's support for Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara. It is clear that Felipe VI's visit to Ceuta will serve as a new test for the delicate balance of the partnership between Madrid and Rabat.
As reported by france24.com.
