Moroccan Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouhabi demanded Spanish authorities return unaccompanied minors to Morocco following a sudden migration surge into the Spanish city of Ceuta. Ouhabi also effectively accused Spain of kidnapping the children who arrived in the territory. The demand prompted Spanish Minister Félix Bolaños to adjust the government's position on minor returns.
Prior to Ouhabi's announcement, the Spanish government communications team at La Moncloa had directed political attacks against opposition parties Partido Popular and Vox. Both opposition groups had rejected hosting more minors and called for their return to Morocco. Following Ouhabi's statement, Bolaños made a swift rectification in official stance.
Unaccompanied Minor Returns
Spain has taken in nearly 30,000 unaccompanied minors since 2015. Despite this figure, the Moroccan government in Rabat has accepted the return of no more than a dozen minors during that entire period. The few individuals accepted back by Rabat originated from other nations rather than Morocco.
The diplomatic friction coincides with tens of thousands of Moroccan citizens entering Ceuta through border openings. The group consisted mostly of young people, including many well-educated citizens, attempting to leave poor economic conditions in Morocco.
Spanish Foreign Policy Management
The situation has raised criticism regarding the management of state and military intelligence services under Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska. Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares faced scrutiny for reactive diplomacy during the border events. Minister Óscar Puente was also cited in relation to debates over government loyalty and critical advice.
Rabat has long relied on international lobbying, public relations, and propaganda to manage its external image. However, its strategy for a Greater Morocco has created regional tension, while economic control by a small elite near the throne has generated distrust among foreign investors seeking fair competition.
