A Famous American Editorialist Calls on Spain to Return Sebta to Morocco

In an op-ed published by Foreign Policy, the American editorialist criticizes the media for presenting the recent events in Sebta as merely a migration crisis. In his view, this interpretation ignores the enclave’s colonial history and the circumstances under which it came under European control.

Sebta was conquered by Portugal in 1415, notably to gain access to the trade routes along which African gold was transported. The city subsequently remained under Spanish rule after the restoration of Portuguese independence in the 17th century. Howard W. French describes this situation as a “historical accident” to which international law has given an appearance of legitimacy.

The territorial issue returned to the forefront after the massive influx recorded at the Sebta border at the end of July. The crisis provoked strong reactions in Europe and led Italy to tighten its controls on travelers arriving from Spain.

The Gibraltar Argument Turns Against Spain

The author particularly highlights Madrid’s contradiction: Spain rejects the historical and geographical arguments put forward by Morocco regarding Sebta, while using comparable arguments to claim Gibraltar, a territory controlled by the United Kingdom since the beginning of the 18th century.

On Bladi.net : article 125146

Howard W. French believes that the Spanish presence in Sebta will become increasingly difficult to maintain because of its financial cost, the tensions it causes in Europe, and demographic developments on the two continents. The African population continues to grow, while several European countries, including Spain, are experiencing a sharp decline in birth rates.

He therefore considers it likely that Madrid will eventually recognize the interest of abandoning its territorial claim in Africa. In his view, returning Sebta to Morocco would also make it possible to close this gateway to the Schengen area and compel Europe to rethink its economic relations with Africa over the long term.