RABAT, Morocco – Morocco has not renounced its claim to the sovereignty of Ceuta and Melilla, and the issue remains a subject of debate with Madrid, according to Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi. Rabat is approaching the matter with patience and dialogue, while reaffirming its commitment to its territory and its desire to find a solution through diplomatic channels.
Ceuta Crisis: Morocco Demands Child Repatriation
In statements to Al-Sharq Bloomberg, Ouahbi explained that Morocco systematically raises the issue of the two cities during meetings with the Spanish side, and that the Moroccan position remains unalterable. The minister’s remarks come at a time of heightened tensions following the mass migration surge into Ceuta on July 30, which saw tens of thousands of people enter the Spanish enclave.
Regarding Moroccan minors, Ouahbi reaffirmed Morocco’s commitment to their repatriation, stating that “we will not abandon our children” and that they cannot be exposed to an education alien to their values and beliefs. He clarified that discussions on this matter have been ongoing for approximately two years, while denying the existence of current negotiations between his ministry and Spanish authorities on the issue.
Ouahbi also criticised European and Spanish migration policies, arguing that there is a contradiction between Morocco’s efforts to curb irregular migration and the regularisation of the status of some migrants upon their arrival in Europe or the granting of asylum. He emphasised that Morocco is willing to cooperate with Spain and the European Union, but refuses to become the “policeman of Europe” or to assume responsibility for addressing issues related to European borders and demographics.
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The minister rejected any attempt to link Moroccan cooperation on migration to blackmail or to obtaining political and economic advantages, stating that the Kingdom does not need to exploit the migration issue for concessions from Spain or the European Union. His comments reflect growing frustration in Rabat over what it perceives as contradictory policies and a lack of coordination between Morocco and its European partners on migration management, as the two countries continue to navigate the complex diplomatic terrain shaped by the Ceuta crisis and its aftermath. The Spanish government has not yet issued a formal response to Ouahbi’s latest statements.
