Spanish historian sees Ceuta and Melilla eventually coming under Moroccan sovereignty
In Madrid, Spanish historian Juan Eslava Galán believes that Ceuta and Melilla could one day come under Moroccan sovereignty. He first envisages shared administration of the two cities and is counting on Rabat’s growing influence with the United States.
“Practically without us realizing it.” That is how Juan Eslava Galán envisages the possible transfer of Ceuta and Melilla to Moroccan sovereignty. Speaking on Monday, October 26, in Madrid at the launch of his new book, the Spanish writer outlined a scenario of gradual transition.
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According to the Europa Press news agency, the author imagines that Madrid might first accept a formula for shared sovereignty with Rabat. In his view, the demographic evolution of the two cities would eventually favor their incorporation into Morocco.
In his book, he discusses the possibility of Moroccan pressure for joint administration. According to his analysis, this process would lead to a gradual change in the status of the two cities, which are under Spanish sovereignty.
Why he thinks Washington would choose Rabat
To explain his prediction, the historian emphasizes the strategic relationship between Morocco and the United States. He says Washington would support Rabat even in the event of a conflict with Madrid, and believes Morocco’s weight in Africa will strengthen this closeness.
Eslava Galán cites the Ifni War of 1957 as an example. According to his account, the Americans had then forbidden Spain from using certain weapons supplied by Washington, forcing the Spanish army to rely on other equipment.
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These statements accompany the release of La Guerra Fría contada para escépticos, published by Planeta on October 21. The writer devotes an appendix to Morocco, linking current power dynamics to the legacies of the Cold War.
He also believes Morocco and Egypt will play a major role in relations between Washington and the African continent. In his view, this development would further strengthen Rabat’s diplomatic clout vis-à-vis Madrid.
