Morocco is studying the possibility of suspending its extradition treaty with Spain, the kingdom’s Justice Minister Abdellatif Wahbi said. He accused Madrid of legalizing refugees whom Rabat is trying to deter, UNN reports, citing Euronews.
The list of mutual grievances between Rabat and Madrid following the recent crisis in Ceuta is growing.
Moroccan Justice Minister Wahbi said in an interview with international media that he was prepared to suspend the extradition treaty with Spain over disruptions in the transfer of detainees, and demanded the immediate return of Moroccan minors from the Spanish enclave.
Extradition: the first threat
In an interview with the EFE agency, the minister accused Spain of creating a “pull effect,” explaining that the mass legalization of migrants in Madrid motivates new attempts to storm the border in Ceuta and Melilla. The Moroccan side pointed to a contradiction whereby Rabat spends resources curbing migration while Spain grants amnesty to people who have already entered the country. Wahbi made it clear that Morocco does not want to continue sending personnel to arrange the transfer of migrants detained in Spain when those transfers are ultimately called off.
Time for the children to go home
Answering a question from DW Arabic, the minister, speaking on behalf of the country, demanded that Spain immediately repatriate all Moroccan minors, including those who reached Ceuta during the recent crisis. Wahbi stressed that the new school year was approaching and that the children should study at home, living with their families. The minister addressed the Spanish authorities harshly: “If you want these children and believe that you can provide them with the best conditions, take them together with their families. Separating a child from their parents under the pretext of their “best interests” is a crime, and it must stop.”
Rabat is demanding the return of more than 1,300 Moroccan minors who remained in Ceuta after the mass border breach in July. Spain’s official response, despite the political disputes, comes down to a willingness to cooperate in compliance with EU laws. However, Spain’s former Minister for Youth and Children, Sira Rego, previously stated that the collective deportation of children was impossible. Spain is obliged to conduct an individual legal assessment of each case to guarantee the safety of the minor.
Ceuta and Melilla on the agenda
Answering a question from Ashraq News, a representative of Morocco’s cabinet also addressed the issue of sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla. Asked directly whether Morocco was considering reclaiming the enclaves, he avoided making any promises regarding timelines or mechanisms but did not rule out such an option. According to Wahbi, Ceuta and Melilla are Moroccan territories, and the dispute over their status remains “in limbo” today; however, the crisis can be overcome through a long-term strategy and political dialogue.
Madrid sees the situation differently. “The Spanish status of Ceuta and Melilla is beyond doubt,” diplomatic sources in Madrid told Euronews. — Ceuta and Melilla form part of the concept of Spain’s territorial integrity, recognized internationally. Spain’s territorial integrity has not been discussed and will never be discussed with anyone.”