Morocco Escalates Diplomatic Tension, Blames Spanish PM for Polisario Leader’s Entry

The entry of Brahim Ghali into Spanish territory last May caused a serious diplomatic crisis between Morocco and Spain, which cost the former Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Arancha Gonzales Laya, her position. After four months of tensions, relations are gradually resuming, but a new crisis is looming on the horizon.

To read: Spanish Diplomat: Polisario Leader’s Entry Impossible Without Government Approval

And for good reason, Morocco does not believe that the leader of the Polisario Front could have entered Spain without the knowledge of the government and its head, Pedro Sanchez. Rabat is more convinced of Sanchez’s involvement after the statements made by Camilo Villarino, the former chief of staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Gonzalez Laya during their respective appearances before the court in Zaragoza. The two officials acknowledged having received orders not to subject Ghali and his entourage to customs formalities. Minister Laya thus indirectly admitted that Pedro Sanchez was the one who gave the orders, reports Ok Diario.

To read: Spain’s Sanchez Seeks to Rebuild Ties with Morocco Amid UN Assembly

Meanwhile, the Spanish Prime Minister is multiplying charm operations towards Morocco. "The Spanish government cordially congratulates the new Moroccan government appointed by His Majesty King Mohammed VI and chaired by the Head of Government, Aziz Akkhanouch, following the legislative elections of September 8. Spain intends to work with the new Moroccan government [...] on the basis of trust, respect and mutual benefit," he said in a statement on Friday.

"Morocco is a strategic partner and a neighboring and friendly country with which Spain wishes to continue to develop an exemplary and fruitful cooperation in multiple fields, which contributes to regional stability and prosperity," the statement added.