MADRID, 12 August 2026 (Nosheen): Spain has rejected any discussion over the sovereignty of the North African enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, after Morocco’s justice minister reiterated Rabat’s claims over the two Spanish territories.Spanish officials said the status of Ceuta and Melilla as Spanish territories was not open for negotiation. The remarks came after Moroccan Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi said Rabat continued to raise the issue during negotiations with Spain, with the long-term objective of resolving the matter through dialogue.Morocco has regarded Ceuta and Melilla as occupied territories since gaining independence in 1956 and argues that sovereignty over the cities should ultimately be transferred to Rabat. Spain, however, considers both enclaves integral parts of its territory.
Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles said Ceuta and Melilla were not only Spanish territories but an inseparable part of Spain. She also warned that any attack on the two enclaves would be considered an attack on Spain as a whole.The Spanish government has largely praised Moroccan authorities for cooperating in the repatriation of migrants following a border crisis in late July, during which an estimated 72,000 migrants briefly crossed into Ceuta. At least 96 people reportedly died during the mass border rush.Spain’s Foreign Ministry separately reiterated that the country’s territorial integrity has never been and will never be subject to negotiations with any party.
Meanwhile, Morocco’s Interior Ministry said it had strengthened security along the borders with Ceuta and Melilla following online calls for another mass crossing attempt on August 15. The ministry warned that organisers and participants would face legal action and urged people not to respond to what it described as suspicious and misleading calls.Morocco also called on Spain to accelerate the repatriation of unaccompanied Moroccan minors currently in Ceuta. Spanish Youth Minister Sira Rego said last week that Madrid would assess Morocco’s offer to repatriate the children on a case-by-case basis.