Melilla Bans Moroccan Sheep Imports for Eid al-Adha, Sparking Political Tension

While the Eid al-Adha feast will be celebrated in a few days, the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture has maintained its decision to ban the import of sheep from Morocco. According to the Government Delegate, Sabrina Moh, the reappearance of cases of foot-and-mouth disease within the Moroccan herd is the reason, reports leseco.ma.

However, this decision is not to the liking of Mustafa Aberchan, leader of the local party Coalición por Melilla (CpM). At a press conference, he threatened to withdraw his support from the local government if this ban is not lifted.

To this end, this defender of the cause of the Muslim community in Spain, particularly in Melilla, intends to break the coalition that makes up the regional government.

For Mustafa Aberchan, the CpM cannot "share governance responsibilities with a partner, the PSOE, who is at the head of the central government, if it does not respect the fundamental right of the Muslim population."

Nevertheless, the leader remains open to any proposal aimed at facilitating access for Moroccan sheep. In case of obstinacy, he plans to resubmit his complaint. Indeed, the CpM leader had previously filed a complaint against the former holder of the Public Health Department for malfeasance, for having also prevented the passage of Moroccan sheep.

Furthermore, Mustafa Aberchan recalled that Melilla should not be affected by the European ban on the import of live animals, given its customs status, the enclave being considered a third country.

According to the same source, around 6,000 sheep are imported from Morocco to meet the demand of Muslim families in Melilla during Eid al-Adha.