LONDON: Ceuta and Melilla, two Spanish-controlled cities on Morocco’s Mediterranean coast, remain at the heart of one of the world’s longest-running territorial disputes.
In recent times, they have become key points in Europe’s migration-control system. Spain depends heavily on Moroccan security forces to stop migrants from reaching the cities. When relations deteriorate, Madrid frequently accuses Rabat of easing border enforcement to apply diplomatic pressure.
Predictably, the sudden, unauthorized arrivals on Thursday and Friday of 50,000 to 60,000 mostly young men from the Moroccan side stirred up diplomatic and political storms.
The humanitarian crisis caused by the rush of people has also reopened the debate concerning immigration into Europe and beyond.
Spain's Guardia Civil officers wait to arrest migrants trying to swim through the waters close to the border with Morocco to enter Spain's north Africa's Ceuta enclave on July 31, 2026. (AFP)
