Morocco's Initiative to Repatriate Minors from Ceuta
On Friday, August 21, 2026, Moroccan Minister of Justice, Abdellatif Ouahbi, announced the country's readiness to dispatch buses to Ceuta with the purpose of repatriating Moroccan minors. This announcement underscores Morocco's commitment to collaborating with Spanish authorities to facilitate the safe return of these children, despite the complexities associated with legal and procedural challenges inherent in such operations.
In his remarks during an interview with a national television channel, Minister Ouahbi emphasized that Morocco is prepared to act immediately to send buses for the repatriation of these minors. He highlighted the Moroccan authorities' readiness to coordinate with their Spanish counterparts in addressing this pressing issue. The announcement comes at a time when Ceuta is grappling with unprecedented pressure on its facilities for accommodating minors, particularly following a surge in collective crossings that occurred on July 30 and 31. This has sparked debates within Spain regarding the fate of these Moroccan children, with some advocating for their return while others, including judicial and human rights entities, insist on assessing each minor's situation on an individual basis.
The Minister acknowledged that the process of returning these minors is inherently complex, referencing the numerous procedures involved in verifying the identities of the children, understanding their family situations, and ensuring their return occurs in a manner that safeguards their best interests. He further elaborated that Morocco is engaged in discussions with both Spain and the European Union in search of a long-term solution that transcends the temporary measures typically enacted following border crises. "We are seeking a solution that is not merely temporary or partial, but one that provides a permanent resolution to such crises," he stated.
Minister Ouahbi expressed optimism regarding the ongoing consultations, indicating that the dialogues between the involved parties are expected to yield positive outcomes. He reiterated Morocco's desire for a comprehensive solution to the issue at hand, rather than merely managing the aftermath of such border crossings after they occur. The Minister linked the recent crisis to the ongoing debate in Spain concerning the collective regularization of migrants, suggesting that recent events were aimed at undermining this initiative.
He reaffirmed Morocco's support for the regularization process due to its beneficial implications for the legal and social status of migrants residing in Spain, asserting that it would contribute positively to their circumstances. This collaborative approach reflects Morocco's commitment to addressing the challenges posed by migration while prioritizing the welfare of its citizens.
As reported by ar.telquel.ma.
