Spain's Firm Response to Moroccan Territorial Claims
On September 7, 2026, the Spanish government has taken a more assertive stance regarding the ongoing territorial claims made by Morocco over the cities of Ceuta and Melilla. The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led by José Manuel Albares, has officially declared that the repeated assertions by Moroccan ministers concerning these two cities are seen as detrimental to the bilateral relationship between Spain and Morocco. In a clear and unequivocal statement, the ministry emphasized that the sovereignty of Spain over Ceuta and Melilla is not open for discussion with Morocco, stating, "We have never talked about it, we are not talking about it, and we will never talk about it with Morocco." This strong declaration underlines Spain's commitment to maintaining its territorial integrity.
The escalation in rhetoric from Madrid comes in response to a series of statements from Moroccan officials, including Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi, who has reiterated Morocco's "historical and geographical rights" to Ceuta and Melilla. Additionally, Minister of Habous and Islamic Affairs, Ahmed Toufiq, has mentioned the "liberation of the occupied cities," further exacerbating tensions. Last week, Nizar Baraka, the Minister of Equipment and Water, reaffirmed Morocco's position, asserting that the nation would not concede a single inch of its territory, despite acknowledging Spain as an important partner. This declaration was a direct response to the "red lines" set forth by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez just hours earlier.
Ceuta and Melilla: A Point of Contention
The Spanish Foreign Ministry has made it abundantly clear that "Ceuta and Melilla are Spain, and they will always be." This statement contrasts sharply with the cautious approach Madrid had previously adopted since the onset of the migration crisis in late July. Prime Minister Sánchez had previously indicated that while there was no concrete evidence linking Moroccan authorities to the surge in arrivals at Ceuta, Spain would respond decisively if any Moroccan responsibilities were demonstrated. The territorial disagreement is now openly acknowledged by both parties, with Rabat maintaining its claims over the two cities while Madrid categorically refuses to entertain any negotiations regarding their sovereignty.
As the diplomatic dialogue continues, both governments are presenting starkly different narratives regarding the roles of Ceuta and Melilla within their bilateral discussions, indicating a growing rift that could have significant implications for future relations. The situation remains closely monitored as tensions between the two nations escalate.
As reported by bladi.net.
