Morocco Asserts Sovereignty Over Ceuta and Melilla
On August 22, 2026, Morocco publicly reaffirmed its claims over the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, a significant move that coincides with a growing migration crisis affecting the region. The Moroccan Justice Minister, Abdellatif Ouahbi, stated that Rabat possesses "historical and geographical rights" to these territories, and expressed a desire for dialogue with Spain regarding their status. This assertion comes at a time when Ceuta is grappling with an influx of migrants, exacerbated by perceived inaction from Moroccan border authorities.
Spain has firmly rejected Morocco's claims, reiterating that both Ceuta and Melilla are integral parts of Spanish territory. The Spanish Foreign Ministry's diplomatic response emphasized that these cities are unequivocally Spanish, reaffirming Madrid's commitment to maintaining control over the enclaves.
Migration Crisis Unfolds
The backdrop of this territorial dispute is the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ceuta, where approximately 80,000 migrants crossed the border en masse at the end of July, following Moroccan guards' failure to effectively manage the situation. In response, Spain has had to return over 70,000 migrants to Morocco in the days following the crossings, yet thousands remain stranded, seeking refuge in streets, beaches, and even cemeteries as they navigate their precarious circumstances.
In anticipation of further surges in migration, Spain has bolstered its military presence in Ceuta, deploying an additional 150 troops from the Canary Islands, bringing the total military personnel in the enclave to over 3,000. Human rights organization Caminando Fronteras has reported a tragic toll, noting that at least 145 migrants have lost their lives during these perilous crossings.
As reported by polskieradio.pl.
