Rajoy and the eternal return

Ceuta has become the ninth region of Andalusia, according to a provocative claim made by nationalist groups from Morocco. On August 12, 2026, members of the group Ultras Siempre Paloma 2006 gathered outside the City Council building in Ceuta, displaying a large banner demanding that Morocco reclaim Ceuta, Melilla, and other Spanish territories in North Africa. The demonstration took place during the celebration of the Virgin of Africa festival, with participants standing under the flags of Spain and the Autonomous City while holding up the English-language slogan: “Your history is defense. Ours is expansion. Save Ceuta from occupation.” The message clearly frames Spanish sovereignty over Ceuta as an “occupation” and positions the city as territory that Morocco must recover. The action was documented on the Facebook page of Siempre Paloma, though the exact date of the protest remained unspecified. The image shows several members of the group in front of the main entrance of the City Hall, with festive lights in the background indicating the location near the Plaza de África. This area is traditionally associated with celebrations honoring the Virgin of Africa, the city’s patron saint. The banners and slogans used by the group reflect a broader political stance, blending historical narratives with contemporary demands for self-determination. Ultras Siempre Paloma 2006 is affiliated with the Moghreb Atlético Tetuán, one of Morocco’s historic football clubs based in Tetuán. Founded in 1922, the club enjoys a loyal fanbase in northern Morocco, including groups such as Los Matadores and Siempre Paloma, which was established in 2006. These groups have moved beyond mere sports fandom, engaging in public demonstrations, graffiti, chants, and other forms of activism that incorporate political and social messages. A 2026 sociological study analyzing the activities of these ultra groups found that their graffiti often transcends the sporting context, evolving into a platform for political and social discourse. The group has previously taken part in actions that go beyond football. Following the death of Ilias Tahiri, a Moroccan youth who died in a juvenile detention center in Almería, the group organized vigils and displayed banners condemning racism and discrimination against Moroccans in Spain. They also criticized the far-right party Vox. In June 2020, they posted a message on Facebook calling for justice for Tahiri and highlighting the violence, racism, and discrimination faced by Moroccans in Spain. This incident underscores the growing influence of such groups in shaping public discourse. In February of this year, Siempre Paloma again intervened publicly, pressing the club’s management for accountability, demonstrating its ability to exert pressure on the club’s operations. The recent move to Ceuta represents a further escalation, with the group explicitly linking the city to a historical narrative that includes figures such as Tariq ibn Ziyad and dynasties like the Umayyads, Almoravids, and Almohads. By invoking these historical references, the group seeks to legitimize its territorial claims through a sense of continuity and shared heritage. The situation in Ceuta has been tense since July 30, 2026, when thousands, mostly Moroccans, crossed from Morocco into the city, creating a climate of uncertainty and unrest. The current protest adds another layer to this complex scenario, highlighting the ongoing tensions between Moroccan nationalism and Spanish sovereignty in the region. As the debate continues, the role of such activist groups in shaping political narratives will likely remain a focal point of discussion.