Morocco Expands Development Near Melilla Border, Raising Tensions with Spain

Morocco has undertaken urbanization work less than 500 meters from the no man’s land with Melilla. In addition to paving and developing the streets, roundabouts and even a school have already been built, reports El Español, recalling that Morocco has recently declared to the UN that there are no land borders with Spain and that the cities of Ceuta and Melilla are "occupied territories".

During the Spanish protectorate in the Rif, the delimitation of the no man’s land was not deemed necessary and is not effective to this day. "This lack of demarcation and non-compliance with treaties and agreements mean that this area continues to be inhabited, both by Spaniards and Moroccans. Currently, it is totally occupied by Moroccan infrastructure, with Morocco fully exercising its sovereignty, with the agreement of the Spanish administration," explains Miguel Acosta-Sánchez, a researcher at the University of Cadiz.

Regarding Melilla, the border demarcation act signed on June 26, 1862 established a no man’s land that law enforcement cannot cross in both directions and on which it is forbidden "to cultivate and graze livestock". But currently, notes the same source, Moroccan military constructions are visible in this area. This is a migration control post, according to Moroccan sources.

On the maritime side, Morocco plans in 2023 to strengthen the infrastructure of the port of Beni Ensar by building cafes, discotheques and three two-story hotels there. Quay 1 of the port will house a detachment of the naval base and quay 2 will be developed to accommodate large cruise ships carrying foreign tourists, assure the local authorities. The connection of the port of Beni Ensar to the Nador international airport by tram is also planned.