Mohammed VI Rejects Pressure on Spain Over Migrant Returns
King Mohammed VI denounced, on Friday before Parliament, the legal obstacles complicating the return of minors from Spain. Following the migration crisis in Sebta, the monarch said the current model of cooperation had reached its limits and announced a new proposal for Morocco’s partners.
Minors still in Sebta, difficult returns and cooperation no longer working as expected. In a speech delivered on Friday, October 9, before Parliament in Rabat, Mohammed VI directly criticized certain rules and court rulings that, he said, prevent migrants from returning to Morocco.
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The monarch denounced “certain outdated legal provisions and court rulings that are out of touch with reality,” which hinder the return of minors and people he accuses of falsely claiming refugee status. He believes these obstacles benefit criminal networks organizing clandestine crossings.
The remarks come after the migration crisis in late July, when tens of thousands of people crossed into Sebta from Morocco. Although many have since returned to the Kingdom, minors remain under the responsibility of the Spanish authorities.
Morocco had already proposed facilitating their return. In early August, however, the Spanish government said that each return had to respect children’s rights and take their family situation into account. Madrid was also considering transferring minors to reception facilities on the mainland.
Morocco announces new cooperation proposal
Mohammed VI now believes that the difficulties go beyond the latest crisis in Sebta. “The current model of cooperation has reached its limits,” he said, while acknowledging the progress made with Spain in the fight against irregular migration.
The monarch also responded to criticism from certain Spanish political and media circles, which accuse Rabat of failing to sufficiently control departures. He recalled that Morocco’s cooperation is “a sovereign choice and a voluntary commitment” and cannot be subject to “any pressure or threat, or any blackmail.”
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The Kingdom now intends to present its partners with a document setting out a new vision for this cooperation. Three priorities were announced: co-development, economic competitiveness and regional stability.
