Morocco's Rejection of Spanish Accusations
The Moroccan Foreign Ministry has firmly denied any evidence implicating the country in the mass crossing of over 70,000 migrants into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta in July. The Moroccan government expressed its disapproval of what it perceives as an attempt by certain Spanish political factions to utilize Morocco to further their internal agendas ahead of upcoming elections. This statement comes in response to remarks from the Spanish National Court, which suggested an undeniable 'process of guidance and facilitation' on Morocco's part.
In a recent statement, the Moroccan Foreign Ministry emphasized that there is no substantiated evidence linking Rabat to the mass migration operation towards Ceuta, and it rejected being drawn into Spain's internal political disputes. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates articulated its regret and objection to the Spanish accusations, asserting that 'some political and media circles in Spain continue to exploit the Kingdom to serve internal agendas.' This response was directed towards Spanish judicial authorities that claimed there was a clear facilitation process by Morocco.
The Ministry's statement lamented the situation, noting, 'It is regrettable that historical parties, presumed to be experienced in governance, have fallen into this quagmire where irrational and populist posturing overshadows reasoned discourse.'
Escalation of the Crisis Since July
In July, over 70,000 individuals, primarily young people, attempted to illegally migrate from Morocco to Ceuta after being encouraged through social media channels. This massive influx has led to heightened criticism in Spain directed at both the Moroccan government and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. Although the majority of the migrants have since returned, non-governmental organizations have reported that more than 100 individuals lost their lives during this crisis. Local authorities indicate that thousands, including unaccompanied minors, still remain in Ceuta, living in temporary camps or on the streets, which has sparked daily protests from residents frustrated by the Spanish government's handling of the situation.
Since these events, opposition parties in Spain have targeted Sánchez's government, accusing it of facilitating the migration process. Meanwhile, Sánchez's government has denied any 'damning evidence' linking Morocco to the facilitation of migrant crossings into Ceuta, although the Spanish National Court has noted that these events may involve several legal violations, specifically crimes that threaten Spanish state security or independence.
The Moroccan Foreign Ministry expressed dismay at the fact that respected legislative and judicial institutions are adopting misguided initiatives that fuel discord. The Ministry questioned why accusations against Morocco persist in the absence of any data, facts, or reports that substantiate claims of Moroccan authorities' involvement. Furthermore, it highlighted the failure to return irregular migrants, despite Morocco's official commitment to accept them back, and the ongoing situation of unaccompanied minors who remain separated from their families, despite Morocco's urgent calls for their return.
Documents released by the Spanish government recently revealed that Spanish intelligence and security agencies had warned their Moroccan counterparts and Madrid of plans to storm Ceuta just one day before the influx of migrants occurred.
The Moroccan statement concluded with a firm declaration that the Kingdom 'refuses to be a political scapegoat for the resolution of internal disputes' as Spain approaches its national elections scheduled for mid-2027. The Ministry reaffirmed the close cooperation between Rabat and Madrid in security, migration, and economic domains since Sánchez endorsed Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara in 2022. It emphasized that tangible results have been achieved, particularly in economic cooperation, with Spain being Morocco's primary economic partner and Morocco being Spain's second-largest trading partner outside the European Union. Furthermore, Morocco's security cooperation has saved lives and dismantled terrorist and criminal networks, often at the cost of casualties and material losses to Moroccan forces. Notably, Morocco does not recognize Spanish sovereignty over Ceuta and the other enclave, Melilla.
As reported by independentarabia.com.
