Spain to Reopen Ceuta-Morocco Border in May, Officials Say

The likely reopening of the Ceuta border with Morocco is announced for early May, coinciding with the end of the holy month of Ramadan, according to sources consulted by Europa Press. For Fernando Grande-Marlaska, the border will be reopened "in the near future" and in a "progressive and gradual" manner, until the full restoration of the movement of people and goods, according to the terms agreed between Spain and Morocco.

"Permanent contact will be maintained with the autonomous city at all stages in order to share information and collect suggestions and proposals," Marlaska assured, specifying that the gradual reopening of the border will be accompanied by "an immediate strengthening of the police forces" in order to meet the challenges of the moment.

To read: Spain Seeks Swift Reopening of Ceuta and Melilla Borders with Morocco

Security and controls have been "intensified" throughout the autonomous city, and especially in the suburbs, since the death on Saturday of a teenager killed by a bullet to the head. An incident that sparked violent clashes in different neighborhoods where residents demanded a greater police presence. "The arrest of the alleged perpetrators of the murder of the 16-year-old boy is an ’absolute priority’ for the national police," it was assured.

The minister also announced Ceuta’s participation in Operation Marhaba 2022. News that has delighted the President of Ceuta who considers it "another step towards the goal of normalization".