Morocco May Exclude Ceuta and Melilla from Annual Diaspora Return Operation

As long as Morocco "persists in wanting to develop projects in its northern and northeastern regions to relocate the population living on border smuggling," the two enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla will remain closed, the Spanish media have indicated. Moreover, Morocco does not intend to open the borders between Ceuta and Melilla anytime soon, unless "Spain accepts some of its demands" including the recognition of the Moroccanness of the Sahara, although this has been enshrined in a way during the Green March, reported El Español. Thus, Morocco would be copying the strategy adopted with Algeria, where the borders have remained closed for 27 years.

"Rabat’s objective is to economically develop the East and Center regions of Morocco, contribute to employment and improve the standard of living of the inhabitants" in the face of social problems and popular demonstrations, particularly smuggling. Thus, the Moroccan government is putting the means in place to create nearly 5,000 jobs by 2023 in the Tanger-Tétouan-Al-Hoceima area, the daily stressed. It should be noted that Morocco intends to become a major player in Mediterranean trade with the construction of the port of Nador and the expansion of Tanger-Med.

But "in this way, it will be done without Ceuta and Melilla," worry the Spanish media, who find this cooperation with the enclaves complicated within the framework of the Marhaba Operation. Last year, the operation was a success with special planes from various countries and with two maritime routes coming from France and Italy. For this year, the Moroccan government has contacted some shipping companies to ensure their availability. In addition, the Port Authority of the Bay of Algeciras (APBA), which has been severely affected by the crisis, has recently launched a call for tenders to set up the crossing to Tanger-Med, for travelers coming from northern European countries to Morocco.