Morocco's revived claim to Ceuta and Melilla is not a demand for decolonisation

Morocco’s renewed push for the return of the Spanish-controlled enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla has sparked intense diplomatic tensions, particularly with Spain and Italy. The situation escalated after a surge of tens of thousands of Moroccan and other African migrants attempted to cross into the Spanish territories, resulting in at least 141 deaths during the perilous journey. Most survivors were either forcibly or “voluntarily” repatriated, highlighting the precarious conditions faced by those seeking refuge. The movement has reignited longstanding territorial disputes, with Morocco asserting its historical claim to the two cities, known locally as Sabtah and Maliliah. Despite these efforts, Spain has maintained firm control over the areas, which have remained under its administration since the 16th century. The crisis gained further complexity when the Italian government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, introduced strict border checks targeting non-EU nationals arriving from Spain, citing concerns over potential illegal immigration from Arab and African countries. In response, Spain imposed reciprocal temporary border restrictions on flights and maritime crossings from Italy, escalating bilateral friction. Meanwhile, Morocco proposed discussions with Spain regarding the future status of Ceuta and Melilla, but Spain categorically rejected the offer, underscoring its unwillingness to engage in negotiations. This refusal has deepened the divide, with Morocco’s actions occurring against the backdrop of its growing strategic alignment with the United States and Israel, both of which hold a critical stance toward Spain’s leftist government. Historical context reveals that Morocco’s claim to Ceuta and Melilla is rooted in centuries of colonial history. The city of Sabtah, now Ceuta, was captured by Portugal in 1415 during the Reconquista and remained under Spanish rule following the dissolution of the Iberian Union in 1640. It was officially ceded to Spain under the 1668 Treaty of Lisbon. Similarly, Melilla, or Maliliah, was seized by Spain in 1497. Both territories have been part of Spanish holdings ever since, despite numerous Moroccan attempts to reclaim them throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. During the 18th century, the cities served as penal colonies before becoming free ports in 1906. Spain also sought to expand its influence by attempting to conquer the nearby town of Tetouan, leading to the Spanish-Moroccan War of 1859–60. The Spanish-American War of 1898, which saw Spain lose its remaining overseas colonies such as the Philippines and the Caribbean, prompted renewed interest in Moroccan territory. At the time, France was also expanding its colonial presence in Africa, prompting a shift in regional power dynamics. The 1900 Treaty of Paris delineated Spanish colonies in Rio de Oro, later known as Spanish Sahara, and Equatorial Africa, or Spanish Guinea. These regions, bordered by French territories, represented a diminished version of Spain’s former African empire. In 1904, under the Anglo-French Entente Cordiale, France and Spain agreed to demarcate their respective spheres of influence in North Africa, including Morocco, Egypt, and other regions. France recognized Spain’s claim to a narrow strip of northern Morocco, encompassing Ceuta and Melilla, extending westward along the Mediterranean but excluding the eastern border with Algeria. Tangier, another coastal enclave, was placed under international administration. This arrangement was formalized in the 1912 Treaty of Fez, which established French protectorate over Morocco. That same year, France allowed Spain to create its own protectorate in the region previously outlined in the 1904 agreement. Although Morocco has consistently challenged Spanish sovereignty over the two enclaves, the current dispute reflects broader geopolitical shifts, with Morocco leveraging its alliances to assert its claims in a manner distinct from traditional decolonization movements. As tensions continue, the future status of Ceuta and Melilla remains uncertain, with no immediate resolution in sight.