The Algeria-backed Polisario Front has been fighting against the Moroccan army for sovereignty of Western Sahara ever since Spain withdrew from the territory in 1976. Ceuta is one of two Spanish enclaves next to Morocco – the other is Melilla – which have Europe’s only land borders with Africa. With what aim?”Morocco has frequently had clear aims in mind when using the border with Spain’s North African enclaves to exert pressure on Madrid or on the EU. This time, Morocco’s agenda stretches beyond annoyance at Ghali’s hospital treatment to the broader issue of Western Sahara. Already this spring, Germany has felt the force of Morocco’s new-found boldness, after pushing back against the US shift on Western Sahara.

Source: The North Africa Journal June 04, 2021 17:00 UTC