Morocco Extends Border Closure with Spanish Enclaves as Melilla President Urges Reopening

Persistent rumors have announced the reopening of the borders of Ceuta and Melilla with Morocco for early May, after the end of the holy month of Ramadan. But since Morocco has extended the state of health emergency until May 31, the reopening of the borders has become uncertain.

For Eduardo de Castro, President of Melilla, it now depends solely on Morocco. "The ball is in Morocco’s court," he told the press, accusing Morocco of not being transparent in the border reopening process.

To read: Spain and Morocco to Reopen Borders This Summer, Foreign Minister Says

The President of the autonomous city recalled that several conditions must be met before the reopening of the borders, such as the situation of cross-border workers or the implementation of commercial customs. According to De Castro, Spain must be firm with Morocco so that the diplomatic agreements concluded are respected.

Furthermore, the President of Melilla stated that he has no information on the organization of the Marhaba Operation 2022, let alone on what was decided on this subject during the meeting held on Thursday in Rabat between Spanish and Moroccan delegations.