Morocco demands Spain return migrants and bodies in Ceuta

Morocco's Minister of Justice, Abdellatif Ouahbi, has requested that Spain return the surviving migrants and the bodies of those who died while attempting to cross into Ceuta. These statements were made on the Arab channel Al Arabiya, one day after Ouahbi questioned Spain's sovereignty over the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla.

According to reports, Morocco has warned that the transfer of the bodies of deceased migrants is contingent upon the signing of a formal agreement between the two parties. Additionally, the Moroccan government has indicated that Spain could face an increase in attempted crossings if its reception policies, which they believe encourage irregular migration among youth, are not modified.

The Moroccan minister also emphasized the importance of including all migrants, including unaccompanied Moroccan minors who remain in Ceuta. The Moroccan government believes that the situation requires a more structured collaboration between the two countries to address the issue of migration.

This development occurs amidst increasing pressure on relations between Morocco and Spain, particularly regarding migration management and territorial sovereignty. Morocco's demand reflects existing tensions and the need for effective dialogue to resolve the crisis.