In the wake of the unprecedented surge of over 72,000 migrants into Ceuta late last month, longstanding territorial disputes between Morocco and Spain have resurfaced with renewed intensity. The crisis, which sent shockwaves through European capitals, has been linked by observers to unresolved claims by Rabat over the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla.
Jorge Dezcallar, a former Spanish ambassador to Morocco and former director of Spain’s intelligence services, emphasized that Morocco has never abandoned its historical claims to Ceuta and Melilla. Speaking in an exclusive interview, he suggested that the timing of the migration surge was no coincidence, noting that Morocco appears to be testing the waters amid what it perceives as a weakened government in Madrid.
Political instability in Spain fuels tensions
The Spanish government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has faced mounting challenges, including a series of high-profile corruption scandals involving top officials and close associates. Additionally, its progressive immigration policies and vocal criticism of U.S. foreign policy have frequently put it at odds with European allies, further straining relations with Rabat.
« Spain and Morocco share a relationship that is more emotional than rational, marked by sharp fluctuations in trust and cooperation, » Dezcallar observed. Despite these tensions, the two countries remain deeply interconnected through trade and critical partnerships in migration management, counterterrorism, and regional security.
Rabat’s unyielding stance on Ceuta and Melilla
Moroccan officials and state-aligned media have intensified their rhetoric on the sovereignty of Ceuta and Melilla—territories that have been under Spanish control for centuries, predating the modern Moroccan state. « This issue remains alive and well, » stated Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi in a televised address this week. « Every time we meet with Spanish counterparts, we raise this question. We remain firmly attached to our territories. It’s a matter we will resolve through dialogue and patience. »
In response, Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles delivered a firm statement from Ceuta: « Let there be no doubt: Ceuta and Melilla are Spanish, and they are non-negotiable. » Her remarks underscore the uncompromising position of Madrid on the issue.
While King Felipe VI of Spain has never visited Ceuta or Melilla, a Spanish foreign minister made a historic trip to the enclaves this week—a move widely seen as an attempt to avoid further provocation of Morocco.
Both countries have pointed to human trafficking networks as the immediate trigger for the migration crisis, citing a recent Spanish Supreme Court ruling that barred the immediate repatriation of migrants arriving by sea. However, Dezcallar cautioned that Moroccan authorities may have shown « at least some level of permissiveness or negligence » in enabling the influx.
Diplomatic incidents and future threats
Dezcallar warned that Spain lacks the capacity to fully control such migration surges, noting that this is not the first time Ceuta has faced such challenges. In 2021, tensions escalated dramatically after Spain allowed the hospitalization of Sahrawi leader Brahim Ghali. Rabat retaliated by facilitating the arrival of nearly 10,000 migrants in Ceuta, a move Robles described as « blackmail. »
« One can forgive a mistake once, but not twice, » Dezcallar remarked, recalling warnings from Ceuta authorities about a gradual increase in irregular arrivals in the days leading up to the crisis. Intelligence sources recently alerted authorities to a potential new influx on August 15, as calls to storm the city proliferated on social media. Police and Civil Guard unions have also confirmed the threat.
« Anyone who believes Morocco will abandon its claims on Ceuta and Melilla is mistaken, » Dezcallar concluded. « The issue is far from resolved and will continue to shape relations between the two nations. »