Morocco Eyes Next Territorial Goal: Ceuta and Melilla After Western Sahara Push

In exchange for the American recognition under Donald Trump of its sovereignty over the Sahara, Morocco agreed in December 2020 to normalize its diplomatic relations with Israel (Abraham Accords), which has become an important military partner of the kingdom. In Europe, Morocco has done its best to get Spain to support the Moroccan autonomy plan for the Sahara, aware that in doing so, the other still hesitant European countries will be able to quickly rally to its cause.

To read: Morocco’s Claim on Ceuta and Melilla Persists, Says Former Spanish Intelligence Chief

But Morocco has shown on several occasions that it does not respect Spain and, for its part, Spain has also proven that it does not resist Morocco’s threats for long, believes El Independiete, recalling in this regard the unilateral closure by Morocco of the customs post in Melilla, without the slightest reaction from Madrid, as well as the insulting remarks of Karima Benyaich, Morocco’s ambassador to Spain towards the Spanish authorities, to which the latter did not deign to give a consequent response.

To read: Morocco Steadfast on Sahara and Ceuta-Melilla Claims, Expert Says

The repeated assaults of sub-Saharan migrants on the borders of Sebta and Melilla and the unprecedented migration crisis that occurred in Ceuta last May, after the entry into Spain of the leader of the Polisario Front, Brahim Ghali, have not known an adequate response from Spain either, deplores the same source, stressing that on the contrary, Spain dismissed its Minister of Foreign Affairs, Arancha González Laya, to appease Morocco. But the crisis was endless and became "unsustainable" for Spain.

To read: Spanish Newspaper Challenges Morocco’s Commitment to Ceuta and Melilla Sovereignty

In a letter dated March 14, Pedro Sanchez expressed to King Mohammed VI Spain’s support for the Moroccan autonomy plan for the Sahara. A decision that allowed the reopening of maritime borders and the upcoming resumption of Operation Marhaba. In the joint declaration that sanctioned the meeting between Sanchez and Mohammed VI on April 7 in Rabat, the gradual and controlled reopening of the borders of Ceuta and Melilla was announced. Remains to be seen for how much longer the honeymoon will last. What is certain is that Morocco will not give up the two autonomous cities.