Morocco Claims Sovereignty Over Ceuta and Melilla, Spain: "They Are Spanish and Will Never Be Handed Over"
Two weeks after 72,000 migrants breached the Spanish enclave in North Africa, the Moroccan Minister of Justice declared that his country has not abandoned its claims to Ceuta and Melilla. Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles firmly rejected the statement: "They are not just Spanish, they are super-Spanish, and they cannot be touched." The Spanish Foreign Ministry reiterated that Spain's territorial integrity is not up for discussion.
Official sources in Spain responded on Wednesday with a firm rejection of Morocco's claims that it has not relinquished its sovereignty over the two Spanish enclaves in North Africa, Ceuta and Melilla, which have dominated headlines following a mass migrant breach into Ceuta two weeks ago.
After Moroccan Minister of Justice Abdellatif Ouahbi reiterated Morocco's claim to the two cities in an interview with the "Asharq" channel, stating that the issue is regularly raised in talks with Spain, Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles replied: "Ceuta and Melilla are not just Spanish — they are super-Spanish, and they cannot be touched."
This marks the first time Rabat has publicly raised the controversial issue since the border storming two weeks ago, during which approximately 72,000 migrants entered Ceuta in hopes of reaching the European Union. At least 96 people died during the event. While most have since been returned to Morocco, thousands remain in Ceuta awaiting status verification. Many, particularly minors, are expected to eventually receive residency permits, potentially allowing them to bring their families to Spain.
Ceuta and Melilla have been part of Spain since the 15th and 17th centuries. Since Morocco gained independence in 1956, Rabat has viewed both enclaves as occupied territories. Spain, whose government frequently criticizes Israel over its actions in Gaza and the occupation of Palestinian territories, firmly rejects these claims. Minister Robles reiterated this stance during her visit to Ceuta: "Any attack on Ceuta and Melilla is an attack on Spain as a whole. This must not happen again."
Her comments come amid speculation that Moroccan authorities may have facilitated or initiated the mass breach in late July, as they have been accused of doing during past periods of tension. However, the government in Madrid has praised Moroccan authorities for their cooperation in returning migrants, refraining from blaming Rabat and instead pointing to human trafficking networks.
In a separate statement, the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared that the territorial integrity of Spain "has not been, and will never be, up for discussion with any party."
Meanwhile, the Moroccan Ministry of Interior reported that it has reinforced security near the borders with Ceuta and Melilla following online calls for a mass crossing attempt on August 15. The ministry stated it would prosecute organizers and participants, urging the public to "remain vigilant and responsible and not be carried away by such suspicious and misleading calls, considering the dangers they may pose to human lives."
