Morocco refuses to be ‘scapegoat’ in Spain’s political score-settling

Rabat (EFE).- «The Kingdom of Morocco refuses to be used as a pre-election political pawn, nor will it accept being the scapegoat in political score-settling» in Spain, warned the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday.

Rabat made this statement in an official declaration regarding relations with Spain, lamenting that «some Spanish political and media circles persist in exploiting the Kingdom for domestic political purposes.»

«It is particularly regrettable that long-standing political parties, despite extensive experience in governing, could have fallen into this quagmire where unreasonable and populist escalation prevails over common sense,» it added.

Morocco also considered it «unfortunate that reputable legislative and judicial institutions through ill-advised initiatives that lead to discord.»

«These missteps, where discernment gives way to oversimplification and objective analysis to accusatory rhetoric, fuel a strategy of fear that is detrimental to all,» it warned.

The statement highlighted the positive relations achieved with Madrid following the 2022 joint declaration, based on principles of «mutual respect, mutual trust, ongoing dialogue,» which resulted in «tangible results» in economic, security, and migration matters.

Noting that cooperation on migration has proven to be coordinated and effective, the ministry mentioned that the “unfortunate events of last July certainly require a thorough investigation to determine the circumstances, identify any interference, expose any manipulation, and, above all, ensure that they never happen again.»

The text, however, did not specifically mention the mass crossing into Ceuta.

Consequences of ‘strategic blindness’

Furthermore, and “setting aside all controversy and rhetoric, common sense and truthful discourse,” the text asked: “Why continue to level accusations against Morocco when no evidence, facts, or reports establish any involvement on the part of Moroccan authorities?”

«Why are illegal migrants not being returned, even though the Moroccan government has officially committed to readmitting them? Why are unaccompanied minors being kept away from their families, when Morocco has urgently requested their return?» continued the Ministry, stressing that the answer lies with «the relevant Spanish authorities.»

It added that given the “immutable reality” of the geographic proximity, political leaders should be, “with courage and vision,” turning this closeness into an advantage.

«Strategic blindness, on the other hand, will transform this asset into a source of chronic mistrust and recurring tensions,» concluded the department headed by Nasser Bourita in its first official reaction following the mass crossing into Ceuta, which led to a humanitarian crisis and tensions with Madrid.

During July 30 and 31, between 70,000 and 80,000 people crossed irregularly from Morocco into the Spanish city, mostly by swimming, resulting in at least 141 deaths according to estimates by civil organizations. The vast majority returned in the following days, but a few thousand remain in Ceuta.

The statement coincided with the publication of documents declassified by the Spanish Government and was made public through the official agency MAP shortly after the Spanish Congress approved a law granting nationality to Sahrawis born during the Spanish colonial period.

Rabat has not officially commented on this law, which, according to Sahrawi estimates, could affect between 80,000 and 120,000 people.

Local media close to Moroccan officialdom noted on Thursday the potential impact this initiative may have on bilateral relations. EFE.

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