At a party rally, Nizar Baraka, Morocco’s Minister of Public Works and Water, declared that Rabat would not give up "a single inch" of what it considers its territory, including Ceuta. His remarks come as Spain manages the fallout from the latest border crisis and seeks to maintain stable relations with Morocco.
Baraka is not alone. In recent weeks, other Moroccan officials have also spoken publicly about claims to Ceuta and Melilla. The Minister of Religious Affairs, Ahmed Tufiq, even used the word "liberation" in front of King Mohamed VI. These statements followed a mass crossing of migrants at the Ceuta border on July 30, reigniting debate over sovereignty and border security. Information from Spain English, over 70,000 people crossed from Morocco into Ceuta during the July 30 and 31 border incident, far exceeding initial estimates.
Spain has responded with caution and firmness. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez told parliament that Ceuta and Melilla are a "red line" in relations with Morocco and that Spain will not compromise on its territorial claims. He called for a "prudent" approach to bilateral ties while making clear that Spain would defend its position. Sánchez also revealed that Spain summoned Moroccan ambassador Karima Benyaich on August 21. The move had not been disclosed previously and drew criticism from government partners and opposition parties over its secrecy. Morocco World News reported that the step was taken in direct response to statements by two Moroccan ministers about Ceuta and Melilla.
The diplomatic standoff comes alongside practical problems at the border. The July incident, in which thousands of migrants entered Ceuta, exposed weaknesses in Spain’s border management and prompted political scrutiny. As reported earlier, divisions within the Spanish government have complicated the response, with law enforcement and ministries disagreeing over how to handle sensitive intelligence about Morocco’s role. Prime Minister Sánchez has said, information from Reuters and other outlets, that no reliable evidence has come from any international body, including the Spanish Foreign Ministry and the European Commission, that Morocco planned or orchestrated the mass crossing.
Madrid has much at stake. Ceuta and Melilla are symbols of sovereignty and basic points for border control and migration policy, with implications for regional security. Any sign of hesitation could encourage further Moroccan claims and weaken Spain’s position in the EU. The government’s push for "good neighbor" relations is being tested by Morocco’s public demands and the day-to-day realities at the border. A recent report by Spain’s National Center for Immigration and Borders (CENIF), cited by AFP and Barron’s, found that Moroccan police showed 'total leniency' during the July border surge, making little effort to push back crowds from the perimeter. This has fueled debate in Spain over Moroccan authorities’ responsibility and the effectiveness of bilateral security cooperation.
Morocco’s approach appears deliberate: assertive enough to keep the territorial issue alive at home, while still describing Spain as an "impressive partner." This allows Rabat to rally domestic support while retaining use in talks spanning migration and trade, with security also on the agenda. Spain faces the challenge of avoiding escalation without giving ground, amid domestic political pressure and unpredictable developments in North Africa.
Spain’s position on Ceuta and Melilla is based on international law and long-standing administrative control, but Morocco’s repeated claims keep the issue active in their relationship. The latest statements from Moroccan ministers show a willingness to keep the dispute in the spotlight and test Madrid’s resolve. Spain’s leaders now face a choice: reinforce their position with visible action or risk being drawn into a cycle of provocation and response that could strain the broader relationship.
