Morocco Tightens Border Controls, Sparking Shortages in Spanish Enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla

Portage no longer exists in Ceuta. This decision has not spared the Moroccans from the nearby regions. In both directions (Moroccan and Spanish), even basic necessities are prohibited. This embargo situation is causing shortages and price increases, notes the website elespanol.com.

In Melilla, the situation is the same. Portage no longer exists. Here, the blockade is not yet final, for fear of demonstrations. In fact, Morocco is more afraid of the reaction in Melilla than in Ceuta, due to the rebellion in the Rif region, the newspaper writes. For this reason, the kingdom cannot order the authorities to close the border, as is the case in Ceuta.

All this is contrary to the efforts made by Morocco. The kingdom has embarked on development and trade in the northern Mediterranean. The new major ports of Tanger Med and Beni Ensar (Nador) have been joined by the recent airports of Cherif Al Idrissi in Alhoceima and Al Aroui in Nador.

Among the reasons for Morocco’s pressure on Ceuta and Melilla, there is the situation in Catalonia in Spain, which Morocco sees as an opportunity. Then, the country is now self-sufficient with the infrastructure achievements made in the border area with Spain. The Sherifian kingdom also wants to weaken Podemos, the coalition partner of the Spanish Prime Minister, Sánchez, who defends the Sahrawi cause and the social protests in the Rif. There is also the case of the far-right party Vox, which calls for putting pressure on the kingdom. Finally, Morocco wants to maximize its very good relations with Washington and London, to the detriment of Spain, the newspaper writes.

It should be noted that the commercial border of Melilla has been closed since August 1, 2018, and that the Kingdom of Morocco has never recognized Spanish sovereignty over Ceuta (Sebta) and Melilla, which it considers as two "occupied cities".