More than two months following an unprecedented influx of over 70,000 migrants from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, King Felipe VI of Spain, accompanied by his wife Queen Letizia, is set to make a highly anticipated visit on October 13. This marks the first time in nearly two decades that a Spanish monarch has visited the territory, and the royal couple's arrival is eagerly awaited by the local population while also drawing close scrutiny from Rabat, which continues to lay claim to the territory.
The visit comes in the wake of a significant humanitarian crisis, with the overwhelming arrival of migrants from Morocco prompting a dramatic response from both local and national authorities. King Felipe VI aims to reaffirm Spain's sovereignty over Ceuta, a territory that has been a point of contention between Spain and Morocco. His father, King Juan Carlos, last visited the region two decades ago, a trip that resulted in a diplomatic crisis when Morocco withdrew its ambassador from Madrid in protest.
During his visit, the monarch is scheduled to meet with local officials, engage with civil society, and pay tribute to the migrants who tragically lost their lives attempting to cross the border into this small part of Spain, which spans approximately 20 square kilometers on African soil. His forthcoming speech will undoubtedly attract keen attention from Moroccan officials and media, making it the most sensitive moment of his trip.
In an enclave where building facades display red and gold flags, often accompanied by the slogan "Ceuta no se vende"—translated as "Ceuta is not for sale"—the royal visit is viewed as a powerful symbol of support by the approximately 80,000 residents. This sentiment is particularly poignant given the recent migrant crisis, which has heightened tensions in the city and reignited Morocco's territorial claims over a region that has been under Spanish control since the 16th century.
Domestically, this visit is significant as it occurs just under seven weeks before Spain's anticipated general elections on November 29. Migration is expected to be a key issue in the campaign, representing a major dividing line between the socialist government led by Pedro Sanchez and its right-wing and far-right opponents. Our correspondent in Madrid, François Musseau, highlights that the local population in Ceuta is striving to restore a sense of normalcy following the upheaval experienced in July, which left many feeling abandoned by the authorities. While most of the 70,000 migrants have since returned, several thousand remain in the area.
After their visit to Ceuta, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia will continue to Melilla, the other Spanish enclave located in North Africa, further emphasizing Spain’s commitment to its territories amidst ongoing regional challenges.
As reported by rfi.fr.
