The Unfolding Crisis in Ceuta and Melilla
On July 30, 2026, Ceuta witnessed an unprecedented influx of migrants, a situation that unquestionably occurred with the tacit approval, if not outright encouragement, of the Moroccan authorities. In a country governed by a police state, it is highly implausible for 80,000 individuals to gather in Castillejos—a city with a population of merely 77,000—without the knowledge and consent of the regime. The Moroccan gendarmes had previously demonstrated their capability to prevent such gatherings, as evidenced by their actions on August 15 of the same year. This is not an isolated incident; a similar scenario unfolded back in May 2021. King Mohammed VI, often advised by the elusive majzén—an informal governing body—exploits civilians, including minors, with blatant disregard for their lives, which tragically resulted in the loss of 142 lives, to orchestrate political maneuvers aimed at testing Spain's response.
This manipulation is rooted in Morocco's long-standing claim over Ceuta and Melilla, territories whose sovereignty Spain has steadfastly maintained since Morocco gained independence in 1956. In 1976, the Moroccan government brought this issue before the United Nations, only to have its petition dismissed. The UN has yet to recognize Ceuta and Melilla as territories pending decolonization, highlighting the weak foundation of Morocco's claims. The only argument Morocco presents is geographical—that these cities are located in Africa—but this notion fails to hold any weight, as several nations straddle two continents, such as Russia and Turkey, and even the United States with Hawaii.
Historical Context and International Relations
The historical context further complicates Morocco's assertions. Melilla has been a part of Spain since 1497, and Ceuta has held Spanish sovereignty since 1580, previously under Portuguese rule from 1415—well over 200 years before Morocco even existed as a recognized state. The Treaty of Wad-Ras, signed in 1860 by the Sultan of Morocco, unequivocally acknowledges Spain's full and perpetual sovereignty over both cities. If referendums were conducted, it is highly probable that the local populace, including the Muslim community, would overwhelmingly favor remaining part of Spain and Europe rather than aligning with Morocco. The Moroccan claim lacks any substantive justification.
Morocco's desire for Ceuta and Melilla appears unfounded, especially considering the presence of nearby cities like Tangier and Nador, which boast significant ports. This claim seems more like an effort to stoke nationalist sentiments—a common tactic among authoritarian regimes—to divert public attention from the dire socio-economic conditions that plague the nation, pushing many citizens into poverty while the royal family indulges in extravagant expenditures. This situation is further complicated by the external support from figures like Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu, who might have influenced the recent incursion into Ceuta, potentially as a strategy to undermine the current Spanish government they perceive as hostile.
The Spanish government finds itself in a delicate position, striving to avoid confrontation with Morocco, which could exacerbate issues not only related to immigration but also concerning terrorism, drug trafficking, and the isolation of Ceuta and Melilla. Furthermore, Spanish companies operating in these cities face harassment, posing additional challenges. However, Spain holds significant leverage in its dealings with Morocco; it supplies nearly 100% of the natural gas to the Moroccan kingdom and stands as its primary trading partner, while Morocco ranks only eighth and tenth in terms of imports and exports with Spain, respectively. Moreover, Spain can threaten to suspend the preferential Association Agreement Morocco enjoys with the EU, a lifeline for the country that would have catastrophic implications.
It is imperative for Spain to capitalize on this advantage rather than pursue a policy of concessions and appeasement, which Morocco often interprets as weakness. The Spanish President's earlier acceptance of Moroccan annexation of Western Sahara was an attempt to resolve other pressing issues, yet it has not yielded the desired outcomes. To prevent a repeat of the Ceuta incident, Spain must adopt a firm and credible stance that unequivocally conveys to King Mohammed VI that it will never relinquish sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla.
As reported by lavozdegalicia.es.
