Rabat – The Speaker of Morocco’s House of Representatives, Habib El Malki expressed disappointment following the inclusion of a hostile draft resolution in the European Parliament. The draft accuses Rabat of “using minors by Moroccan authorities in the Ceuta migration crisis.”
El Malki said he is astonished and disappointed, saying that the move is “totally out of step with the quality of cooperation between the Moroccan Parliament and the European Parliament.”
The official warned that the move is “part of an attempt to distract attention from a purely bilateral political crisis between Morocco and Spain.”
Spain and Morocco are experiencing a diplomatic and political crisis after Pedro Sanchez’ government allowed Polisario leader Brahim Ghali to enter its territories with a fake passport and identity.
Ghali was hospitalized in Spain from April 18 until last week, when Spain allowed him to go back to Algeria despite the multiple charges he is facing.
Although the court received several complaints, including from Spaniards who accused Ghali of rape, torture, kidnapping, and illegal detention.
Amid escalating tensions between Morocco and Spain, news of mass irregular migration in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta took in May deepened the crisis. Over 9,000 people entered the Spanish enclave from northern Morocco. The migration caused frustration, with several Spanish officials accusing Morocco of “using minors as blackmail” amid the crisis.
Morocco’s government responded to all allegations, emphasizing its key role and commitment to continue to help in irregular migration management.
El Malki reiterated Morocco’s efforts, saying that Moroccan authorities have asserted that the country is not acting “under the command of the European Union or for a counterpart.”
“It does so as a partner and as part of a shared responsibility, as the figures on migration and security cooperation in recent years show, and which some MEPs seem to ignore,” El Malki said.
He argued that Morocco’s House of Representatives hopes that the “constructive spirit of partnership will prevail and the European Parliament will not fall into the trap of escalation.”
The official also deplored the “exploitation of an exceptional incident” in a partnership in which Morocco “plays an exemplary role.”
Recent data shows that Morocco dismantled 8,000 human trafficking cells in the past four years.
Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita said that Moroccan security services also foiled 14,000 irregular migration attempts, including 80 operations in Ceuta since 2016.
The remarks came in response to criticism from Spain after Spanish officials downplayed Morocco’s efforts in tackling irregular migration.
