03 September 2026
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Madrid summoned the Moroccan ambassador on August 21st, following what he described as "unacceptable" statements from two Moroccan ministers regarding the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla. Sánchez stated, "لقد سمعنا تصريحين غير مقبولين من وزيرين بشأن سبتة ومليلية" (We have heard two unacceptable statements from two ministers regarding Ceuta and Melilla). He added that Spain "رفضتهما بشكل قاطع" (categorically rejected them). This diplomatic action occurred on August 21st, according to the Prime Minister, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing diplomatic friction between the two nations over the status of the North African territories. The summoning of the ambassador shows the seriousness with which Spain views any challenge to its territorial integrity.
Moroccan Ministers' Statements
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez characterized two separate statements from Moroccan ministers concerning Ceuta and Melilla as "unacceptable." These remarks prompted the swift and firm diplomatic response from Madrid. Moroccan Minister of Justice Abdellatif Ouahbi declared that Ceuta and Melilla represent a "historical and geographical right for Morocco that cannot be silenced." Ouahbi's full statement in Arabic was, "حق تاريخي وجغرافي للمغرب لا يمكن الصمت عنه." This assertion directly challenges Spain's long-standing sovereignty over the enclaves. Additionally, reports indicated that the Minister of Awqaf described the cities of Ceuta and Melilla as "occupied," further fueling the diplomatic spat. These remarks from both ministers led to the diplomatic action taken by Spain, which perceives them as direct affronts to its national territory.
Spain's Diplomatic Response
Spain categorically rejected the Moroccan demands concerning Ceuta and Melilla, reinforcing its long-held position on the sovereignty of the two North African enclaves. The Spanish government views the cities as integral parts of its territory, a stance that has been a consistent point of diplomatic contention with Morocco for centuries. Madrid's response to the recent statements from Moroccan ministers showed its firm rejection of any claims challenging its territorial integrity. The diplomatic action taken by Spain, including the summons of the Moroccan ambassador, signaled the seriousness with which it regards such declarations from Rabat. This move reiterates Spain's unwavering position that Ceuta and Melilla are Spanish cities, and any statements to the contrary are deemed unacceptable and met with immediate diplomatic pushback.
Context of Ceuta and Melilla
The cities of Ceuta and Melilla are Spanish enclaves located on the northern coast of North Africa, bordering Morocco. Both cities have been under Spanish sovereignty for centuries, with Ceuta coming under Spanish rule in 1580 and Melilla in 1497. These two territories represent the only land borders between the European Union and an African country, making their status a point of strategic importance. Spain maintains that the cities are integral parts of its national territory, a position consistently upheld by Madrid in international forums and bilateral discussions. This long-standing status has periodically led to diplomatic friction with Morocco, which views the enclaves as historically and geographically part of its own territory and has often renewed its claims.
Official Rejection
The Spanish government's categorical rejection of Morocco's territorial claims regarding Ceuta and Melilla was reported by the newspaper EL PAÍS. This official stance reiterates Spain's consistent position that the two North African enclaves are integral parts of its national territory, emphasizing that their Spanish status is non-negotiable. The rejection followed statements from Moroccan ministers that Madrid deemed "unacceptable," directly challenging the established international understanding of the territories. The Spanish government has historically maintained that Ceuta and Melilla have been under Spanish sovereignty for centuries, with Ceuta since 1580 and Melilla since 1497, predating the establishment of modern Morocco. This firm diplomatic response shows the seriousness with which Spain addresses any challenges to its territorial integrity and sovereignty over these historic cities.
