Morocco Claims “Historical Right” to Ceuta and Melilla, Proposes Dialogue with Spain

Moroccan Minister Revives Sovereignty Claims Over Enclaves

Morocco’s Minister of Justice, Abdellatif Ouahbi, has reignited diplomatic tensions with Spain by asserting what he termed a historical and geographical right over the autonomous Spanish cities of Ceuta and Melilla, calling for a bilateral dialogue to negotiate their future return to Moroccan sovereignty.

Speaking on Moroccan public television channel 2M, Ouahbi proposed the creation of a formal bilateral dialogue commission with Madrid to achieve what he described as a definitive solution for the two North African territories. The remarks coincided with the implementation of a new advocacy law in Morocco.

Echoes of Historical Territorial Ambitions

According to reports from Democrata.es, the Moroccan minister insisted that the status of Ceuta and Melilla must remain on the bilateral agenda and that Rabat would not abandon its aspirations. The proposal for a specific negotiation commission marks a distinct diplomatic push, echoing historical positions maintained by Morocco since its independence in 1956, when King Hassan II previously floated the concept of a joint reflection cell that Madrid rejected.

The diplomatic overture arrives just three weeks after a mass border crossing of migrants into Ceuta. While Spanish and Moroccan officials have maintained intense contact since late July to manage border security and facilitate the return of Moroccan nationals who entered irregularly, the public sovereignty claims complicate ongoing bilateral coordination.

Swift Pushback From Madrid and Local Officials

Spanish government leadership quickly pushed back against the remarks. Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs José Manuel Albares visited Ceuta on August 11, reinforcing the executive branch’s strict commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Spain, according to official ministry communications.

Defense Minister Margarita Robles echoed that stance during a subsequent visit the following day, describing Ceuta and Melilla as essential parts of Spain and asserting that any aggression against them would impact the entire nation. Local leadership in Ceuta similarly dismissed the assertions. Ceuta President Juan Vivas responded to the renewed claims by stating that Moroccan aspirations lack foundation because Ceuta is fully Spanish territory.

Dispute Over Unaccompanied Minors Deepens Friction

Alongside the sovereignty dispute, Ouahbi used the interview to press for the return of unaccompanied Moroccan minors currently residing in Ceuta. The minister urged Spanish authorities to transfer the minors back to Morocco, stating that Rabat is prepared to receive them once their identities are verified, though noting the process would not be an automatic deportation.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has held a series of coordination meetings throughout August involving the ministries of Foreign Affairs, Interior, Defense, Territorial Policy, and Migration to manage migration flows and security infrastructure in the region. As Madrid and Rabat continue their border cooperation, the latest statements from Rabat underline persistent friction over the political future of the two Spanish exclaves.