Morocco seeks the return of Ceuta and Melilla, two Spanish cities located on its northern coast, primarily due to long-standing geographical and historical claims. The Kingdom of Morocco views these enclaves as an integral part of its national territory, maintaining that they are remnants of colonial occupation.
Core Reasons for Morocco's Claim
Morocco's dispute over Spain's sovereignty concerning Ceuta and Melilla is rooted in two main arguments:
Geographical Ties
The most immediate and apparent reason for Morocco's claim is the geographical reality. Both Ceuta and Melilla are Spanish territories located entirely within the North African continent, directly bordering Morocco.
- Enclave Status: These cities function as Spanish exclaves, meaning they are political divisions or parts of a country that are geographically separated from the main part and surrounded by the territory of one or more other countries. In this case, they are surrounded by Moroccan territory.
- Proximity: Melilla, for example, is a city of approximately 85,000 people situated about 250 miles east of Ceuta, and it shares a direct land border with Morocco. This physical integration into the Moroccan landmass forms a significant part of Morocco's argument for their return.
Historical Connections
Morocco asserts deep historical connections with both Ceuta and Melilla, stretching back centuries.
- Islamic Conquests: Morocco's claims cite historical ties with the territories that date back to the Islamic conquests. From the Moroccan perspective, these cities were historically part of its sovereign domain long before European colonial powers established control.
- Territorial Integrity: For Morocco, reclaiming Ceuta and Melilla is a fundamental aspect of completing its territorial integrity and national sovereignty. It views the continued Spanish presence as an unresolved issue from the colonial era, an affront to its independence and post-colonial identity. This perspective emphasizes that these cities are inherently Moroccan and should be unified with the rest of the kingdom.
In essence, Morocco disputes Spain's sovereignty over these territories, consistently advocating for their integration into the Moroccan state based on what it perceives as undeniable geographical and historical rights.
