Spanish authorities have dismantled the last migrant camp in Ceuta, a city under Spanish administration that Morocco claims. The operation, which took place on Sunday, involved over 350 police officers and military personnel. They cleared the El Guano esplanade, where hundreds of migrants had built makeshift shelters. This is the fifth operation of its kind in recent weeks, as local authorities seek to remove migrant encampments from public spaces before the royal couple's arrival.
The clearance of the camp comes ahead of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia's visit to Ceuta on October 13 and 14. The royal trip has sparked debate over the symbolism of a royal visit to the two territories and its implications for relations with Morocco. Morocco has long opposed Spanish sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla. The visit has also drawn criticism amid pressure from Spain's right-wing and far-right parties, which have made the status of the two cities a recurring political issue.
The operation reportedly prompted several migrants to flee toward nearby hills to avoid transfer to reception centers. The removal of the camp marks the latest effort by Spanish authorities to clear areas where migrants had sought temporary shelter. The successive operations have placed the treatment of migrants in Ceuta back in focus, particularly as the city prepares for a high-profile royal visit.
The episode also points to the difficult balance Spanish authorities face between border control, the management of migrant arrivals, and the political sensitivities surrounding Ceuta. The city has been a point of contention between Morocco and Spain, with Morocco claiming sovereignty over the territory. The royal visit has revived questions about Spain's approach to Ceuta and Melilla.
The controversy surrounding the royal visit comes at a sensitive moment for Morocco-Spain relations. Although Rabat and Madrid have strengthened cooperation in recent years, the trip has raised concerns about the status of the two cities. Critics argue that the royal trip risks reinforcing historical tensions at a time when both countries have sought closer ties.
The visit to Ceuta and Melilla is part of a broader effort to strengthen ties between Spain and the two territories. However, the trip has also sparked concerns about the potential impact on relations with Morocco. The Spanish government has sought to reassure Morocco that the visit is not intended to undermine Moroccan sovereignty claims.
The clearance of the migrant camp in Ceuta is the latest development in a complex and sensitive issue. The episode highlights the challenges faced by Spanish authorities in managing migrant arrivals and balancing competing interests. The royal visit is set to continue on October 13 and 14, with the Spanish royal couple also visiting Melilla.
Key points
- The Spanish authorities have cleared the last migrant camp in Ceuta ahead of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia's visit to the occupied city.
- The operation involved over 350 police officers and military personnel and is part of a broader effort to remove migrant encampments from public spaces.
- The royal visit has sparked debate over the symbolism of a royal visit to the two territories and its implications for relations with Morocco.
