As customs in Ceuta and Melilla began operating after almost three years of intensive negotiations, Morocco decided to prevent the entry of the two daily Spanish trucks allocated to each city, as agreed with the government of Pedro Sánchez in cause of a promise not kept by Madrid concerning the Sahara.
Against all expectations, Morocco suspended the entry of the two daily Spanish trucks allocated to each city after Spain launched customs in Ceuta and Melilla. The kingdom blocked the process by imposing careful and prolonged inspections on trucks, which in one case lasted up to 11 hours. A surprising decision for the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which ended up discovering that its promise to cede the airspace of the Sahara to Rabat which it has not yet kept is the cause.
To read: Customs of Sebta and Melilla: Morocco slows down, Spain insists
The media reported that Morocco informed Spain that the current paralysis of customs is due to Madrid’s non-compliance with its commitments, particularly regarding the cession of Sahara airspace. Diplomatic sources confirmed in the fall of 2024 that a final agreement had been reached on the transfer of airspace, but its implementation has not yet taken place. Morocco demands that this transfer be carried out in an “immediate” and official manner, which would allow customs to operate without additional obstacles.
-Read: Moroccan Ceuta and Melilla: Spain raises its voice
The management of the Sahara airspace is close to Rabat’s heart. This request was put on the table in November 2022 during secret meetings between the two parties. The transfer of this space will allow Morocco to strengthen its control over the Sahara, in turn consolidating its position in disputes relating to territorial waters near the Canary Islands, an area rich in natural resources, particularly hydrocarbons. For the moment, it is the Spanish air traffic control center in the Canary Islands which supervises the airspace of the Sahara and derives financial benefits from it in accordance with the regulations of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Morocco
