On August 12, 2026, Morocco's Minister of Justice, Abdellatif Ouahbi, reiterated Morocco's claim to the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, stating that Morocco seeks negotiations with Spain over the territories it considers occupied. In an interview with the Spanish newspaper As, Ouahbi said, "We want to open a dialogue with Spain about Ceuta and Melilla, as we have done with other issues."
Spain's government responded firmly. A spokesperson for the Spanish Foreign Ministry told reporters, "The sovereignty of Ceuta and Melilla is not negotiable. These are Spanish territories, and their status is not a matter for discussion." The response underscores the long-standing tension between the two countries over the enclaves, which have been under Spanish control for centuries.
The issue has periodically strained relations between Madrid and Rabat. In 2021, a diplomatic crisis erupted when Spain allowed the leader of the Polisario Front to be treated in a Spanish hospital, leading to a mass migration event at the border. Tensions eased later that year when Spain shifted its position on Western Sahara, endorsing Morocco's autonomy plan.
Ouahbi's comments come amid ongoing bilateral discussions on migration, trade, and security. However, analysts note that Spain's position on Ceuta and Melilla remains unchanged, and any Moroccan attempt to raise the issue is likely to be met with a firm rebuttal.
