Morocco's Claims on Ceuta and Melilla: A Call for Dialogue
On August 21, 2026, Morocco's Justice Minister, Abdellatif Ouahbi, reiterated the country's historical and geographical claims over the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla during an interview with public television network 2M. Ouahbi emphasized the importance of establishing a "dialogue space" with Spanish authorities to address this contentious issue, stating, "We will defend our historical and geographical rights, and we seek avenues for dialogue on this matter." He underscored the urgency of finding a definitive solution to the current status of these cities, stressing that silence on the issue is not an option for the sake of both the present and the future.
These remarks follow a recent migration crisis that saw the irregular entry of approximately 72,000 migrants into Ceuta from Morocco, a situation that has since stabilized with most migrants being returned. The Moroccan minister has called on the Spanish government to promptly repatriate all unaccompanied Moroccan minors currently residing in Ceuta, highlighting the humanitarian aspect of the ongoing discussions.
Recent Developments in Ceuta's Migration Situation
In another significant development, Spanish security forces have recently evacuated over a thousand migrants from Trampolín Beach in Ceuta, where they had gathered after being previously removed. The situation remains fluid, with the exact whereabouts of those evacuated still unconfirmed, and discussions ongoing regarding the establishment of temporary accommodation facilities. The central government is actively working to increase capacity for receiving migrants, with plans to prepare additional locations for shelter.
The ongoing efforts to manage the influx of migrants reveal the complexities of maintaining order amid fluctuating numbers of individuals arriving in Ceuta. Official sources indicate that many of the individuals returning to Trampolín Beach may have been part of dispersed groups throughout the city, seeking to regroup or access available temporary housing. This cycle of migration and evacuation underscores the challenges faced by local authorities and the need for a cohesive approach to address the humanitarian needs of those affected.
The Secretary of State for Youth and Childhood, Rubén Pérez Correa, expressed optimism about initiating the urgent transfer of 500 vulnerable girls currently in Ceuta to the mainland within a few weeks. However, he acknowledged that no formal proposal has yet been submitted to the Ceuta government, which has raised concerns about the lack of a structured plan for these minors, who are deemed especially at risk. Pérez Correa assured that a concrete proposal would be forthcoming and emphasized the collaborative efforts between his ministry and local authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of these children.
As reported by lavozdegalicia.es.
