Yahya Yahya's Commitments Regarding Ceuta and Melilla
In Al Hoceïma, the National Committee for the Liberation of Ceuta and Melilla is actively preparing new initiatives against the backdrop of a forthcoming visit by King Felipe VI of Spain to these two contested cities. This meeting, which took place on September 4, 2026, aimed to outline actionable strategies and mobilize support for the Moroccan position on Ceuta and Melilla, which have long been subjects of territorial dispute between Morocco and Spain.
Yahya Yahya, the president of the committee, reported that numerous participants attended the meeting, including eight individuals from Ceuta and fifteen representatives from Melilla. The discussions centered on various proposals intended to take place not only in Ceuta and Melilla but also in the adjacent Moroccan provinces. Participants also reviewed several critical issues affecting Moroccans residing in these cities, demonstrating a commitment to addressing their concerns.
Yahya emphasized that the conclusions drawn from this meeting would remain confidential until the proposed actions are implemented. This decision underscores the strategic sensitivity surrounding the region's political dynamics.
Moreover, the meeting highlighted several recent incidents, including the unfortunate death of a Moroccan citizen who reportedly could not acquire necessary medication in Ceuta. Participants also expressed outrage regarding the tearing of the Moroccan flag during a protest in Spain, illustrating the heightened tensions surrounding national symbols and identities.
The timing of this gathering coincides with King Felipe VI's anticipated visit to Ceuta and Melilla, although the specific date of the visit has yet to be announced. This impending royal visit has reignited discussions regarding the status of these cities, which remain contentious points between Rabat and Madrid. Recently, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez addressed the Spanish Parliament, confirming that his government has formally lodged protests with the Moroccan embassy concerning Moroccan officials' references to Ceuta and Melilla as 'occupied cities.'
The last time a Spanish monarch visited Ceuta and Melilla was in 2007, when King Juan Carlos I made the trip, which sparked significant political and public reactions in Morocco. Yahya Yahya was among those who protested at that time, and the memories of that visit resonate with the current context as another royal visit looms on the horizon.
Yahya indicated that some committee members choose to avoid in-person meetings due to potential pressures they may face, prompting the group to engage in discussions via messaging applications to ensure their safety and discretion. The committee remains resolute in its commitment to advocating for the rights and recognition of Ceuta, Melilla, and other occupied territories, and it is actively working on initiatives discussed during the meeting in Al Hoceïma.
As reported by maroc-hebdo.com.
