Morocco's Call for Repatriation of Migrants and Deceased Individuals

The Moroccan Minister of Justice, Abdellatif Ouahbi, has made a significant request to Spain regarding the migrants who crossed into Ceuta starting from Thursday, July 30. He has called for the repatriation of these individuals back to Moroccan territory, as well as the return of the bodies of those who drowned while attempting to swim across the Tarajal passage to the autonomous city. Reports indicate that 18 bodies have already been interred in the Muslim cemetery of Ceuta, highlighting the tragic consequences of this migration crisis.

In an interview with the Arab news channel Al Arabiya, Ouahbi emphasized the need for a formal agreement that would allow for both the repatriation of survivors and the return of the deceased. He also advocated for a comprehensive approach to tackle migration issues between Morocco and Spain. Despite this, Ouahbi remarked that Spain has not yet communicated the number of deceased migrants to Morocco, stressing that unidentified remains cannot be transferred without prior information and mutual agreement.

Ongoing Diplomatic Tensions and Historical Claims

Ouahbi has recently been vocal about Morocco's historical claims to the cities of Ceuta and Melilla, asserting that these territories represent both a historical and geographical right of Morocco. He has called for the establishment of a dialogue mechanism with Spain to discuss the futures of these cities and their reintegration into Moroccan sovereignty, despite the fact that both cities were established long before the Moroccan state came into existence.

In response to these claims, the Spanish government has firmly rejected Morocco's assertions concerning Ceuta and Melilla, reiterating that these cities are integral parts of Spain's territorial integrity and sovereignty, as well as being part of the European Union. The recent crisis, which led to the tragic loss of life as over 72,000 individuals attempted to enter Ceuta, has resulted in the burial of 18 migrants in the Muslim cemetery. Their graves have been marked to facilitate identification should their families seek to reclaim their remains. Authorities are continuing their slow work on identifying the victims of this humanitarian tragedy.

As reported by eldiario.es.