Morocco did not walk away from its commitments as outlined in the roadmap signed between Morocco and Spain on April 7, 2022. The issue of reopening customs facilities in Sebta (Ceuta) and Melilla enclaves is complex, intricate, and multifaceted, requiring careful consideration before taking action, said Moroccan political analyst and academic researcher Said Ida Hassan.
Ida Hassan said the issue has to do with Morocco’s sovereignty over the occupied cities of Sebta and Melilla, affirming that Spain is aware that Rabat did not relinquish its sovereignty over the two cities and is striving to recover them. “The far-right wing pressuring Spain over that matter is a domestic affair, and Morocco will not be subject to any external pressure in this regard.”
He asserted that Morocco’s stance over its territorial integrity is crystal clear as the country will not abandon its sovereignty over all Moroccan territories, including Sebta, Melilla, and the Chafarinas Islands.
Regarding the reopening of the crossings, Ida Hassan considered it an economic issue as Morocco had suffered for decades from smuggling and black market activities emanating from those crossing points. “The Moroccan economy incurred billions of dollars since the 1970s because of the two crossings. Morocco will not let history repeat itself.”
The expert also emphasized the need for innovative solutions, urging technical committees between the two countries to be proactive and avoid repeating old mistakes.
Ida Hassan addressed human rights concerns related to the protection of smugglers, affirming that Morocco will not accept to see again hundreds of Moroccan women– carrying heavy loads of smuggled goods—brutalized by the Spanish security forces, tarnishing the image of both Morocco and Spain.
Morocco is clear in expressing to Spain that it needs time, and the negotiating teams must find a sustainable solution considering all the said aspects, he explained.
Ida Hassan criticized the focus of Spanish media on the reopening of border crossings in Sebta and Melilla, following the press conference between Foreign Affairs Minister Nasser Bourita and his Spanish counterpart Jose Manuel Albares on Thursday, warning that this may undermine the Moroccan-Spanish ties and future joint projects as the upcoming sea tunnel linking Europe and Africa via The Strait of Gibraltar and the 2030 World Cup.
Spain and Morocco aspire to agree upon border demarcation between the Moroccan Saharan regions and the Canary Islands in order to conduct fishing activities, and oil and gas exploration for the benefit of the two countries, he concluded.