Morocco renews claims on Spain's Ceuta, minister calls it 'occupied'

Morocco has renewed its territorial claims against Spain, with the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Ahmed Toufiq, referring to the Spanish exclave of Ceuta as "occupied" and expressing support for its "liberation."

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supports the 'liberation' of Ceuta, calling it 'Moroccan territory'.

Toufiq's remarks were made during an event in Rabat attended by King Mohammed VI, a detail noted by Moroccan media as lending significant weight to the minister's statement. The minister's assertion that Ceuta is "Moroccan territory" was delivered during an institutional event presided over by the monarch, according to the Moroccan portal Assahifa.

This is the second recent statement from a Moroccan government official asserting claims over Spanish enclaves in North Africa. On August 21, Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi spoke to public television 2M about Morocco's "historical and geographical right" to both Ceuta and the other exclave, Melilla. Ouahbi expressed hope for dialogue with Spain regarding the status of these territories.

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We have a historical and geographical right to Ceuta and Melilla.

Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has formally responded to Morocco's claims, reiterating that Ceuta and Melilla are "Spanish cities" and an "integral part of Spain." The situation in Ceuta remains tense following a large influx of migrants in late July, with thousands still present and causing instability. Demonstrations by residents demanding the expulsion of migrants have occurred, and clashes erupted during food distribution, leading to police use of tear gas. At least 145 migrants are estimated to have died during the mass crossing into Ceuta in late July.

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Ceuta and Melilla are Spanish cities that are an integral part of Spain.