MRE: Should Bab Sebta be abandoned for Tanger Med?

The initiative, led by Fatima Hamed, president of the MDyC, describes the situation as unsustainable and points to structural dysfunctions in the management of the crossing point. The movement believes that the lack of coordination between the Spanish and Moroccan authorities, coupled with insufficient planning, is detrimental to the mobility of Ceuta residents and travelers. The proposal aims to strengthen the logistical means and establish permanent coordination to reduce the growing tensions observed, particularly during the New Year period.

This unprecedented influx is mainly due to the renovation work being carried out by the Moroccan authorities. The construction project, which is expected to last around six months, has required a reorganization of the border crossing architecture, including the use of a single lane for both entry and exit flows in its first phase. This reduction in the number of open lanes coincides with an increase in the number of Moroccans traveling to Ceuta for the sales and the return of community members residing abroad after the Christmas holidays.

Faced with these complications, there are demands to temporarily redirect travelers to the port of Tanger Med in order to relieve the land traffic. The authorities and political actors anticipate a continuation of this congestion until the completion of the works in the spring of 2026. This timeline aims to have the new infrastructure optimally operational before the launch of the "Marhaba 2026" operation planned for the summer period.