Rabat – Tensions between Morocco and Spain soured in April, Spain’s Pedro Sanchez-led government allowed Polisario leader Brahim Ghali to enter Spanish territory with a fake identity under the name of Mohamed Ben Battouche to avoid prosecution.
Many victims, including Spaniards, filed complaints against Ghali for different charges ranging between rape, torture, kidnapping, and genocide.
However, the Spanish National Court decided to dismiss all charges against Ghali, enabling him to leave Spain and fly back to Algeria. Spain’s action comes as the European country continues to advocate the repatriation of irregular migrants who crossed to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta from northern Morocco.
Here is a timeline of how and why tensions escalated between Morocco and Spain and impacted various aspects of cooperation and partnership:
April 18
The Polisario leader entered Spain on April 18 secretly under the name of Mohamed Ben Battouche to avoid legal actions. It later emerged that Spain cooperated with Algeria to arrange for Ghali’s stay at a Spanish hospital after he tested positive for COVID-19.
April 22
On April 22, news broke of Ghali’s presence in Spain, with many international reports quoting Jeune Afrique, who were the first to report the news of Ghali’s admission to a hospital in Logrono near Zaragoza.
At the time, reports cited several reasons for Ghali’s hospitalization. Other than COVID-19, some reports said he was admitted to a Spanish hospital after his health deteriorated due to his long-term fight against stomach cancer.
April 23
The Spanish government did not bother to notify Morocco, one of its main trade partners, about its arrangement with Algeria. When the news went viral online about Ghali, Spain had no other option than to open up about the situation.
On Friday, April 23, Spanish FM Arancha Gonzalez Laya decided to make the news public, stating that Ghali was transferred to Spain for “purely humanitarian reasons in order to receive health care.”
She also said she hoped the decision would “not lead to a disturbance of relations with Morocco.”
Morocco remained silent and did not give a statement. Reports online, including from El Pais, noted that it was Morocco’s intelligence services that detected Ghali’s presence in Spain.
As Spain continued to justify its action, NGOs and activists raised eyebrows and urged Madrid to “immediately arrest Ghali.”
April 25
Morocco’s first reaction to Spain’s sheltering of Ghali came on Sunday, April 25, with the North African country speaking strongly to emphasize its position.
In the statement, Morocco’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the country had summoned Spain’s ambassador in Rabat for consultation.
For Morocco, the summoning sought to serve as a strong, unequivocal statement: Spain had to convincingly justify its decision to host Ghali and clarify its position on Western Sahara.
The North African country also expressed disappointment with Marid, saying that the hospitalization of Ghali is against the “spirit of partnership and good neighborliness and which concerns a fundamental use for the Moroccan people and its vital forces.”
But the only response Morocco received from Spanish officials was the claim it was still committed to maintaining cooperation and that it hoped that hosting Ghali would not impact relations between both countries.
April 28
The advocacy and lobbying firm MGH Partners published an interview that former French Prime Minister Manuel Valls gave amid the Spanish-Moroccan tension.
In the interview, Valls called on both Spain and France to stop hiding behind vague diplomatic statements while tackling the Western Sahara conflict.
“I think that France and Spain should be loyal partners of the Kingdom of Morocco on this issue [of Western Sahara]… France and Spain must be clearer about their support to Morocco on the Sahara,” he said.
April 29
Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Attila Ara-Kovacs scolded Spain for allowing the Polisario leader to enter its territory despite the serious charges against him.
Kovacs described Ghali as a “well-known criminal,” saying that as a European citizen, he had the right to know how Spain would allow a separatist leader with a well-established criminal history to enter Europe.
Spain’s decision is “an objectionable cooperation on security level with a person whose activities have always been contrary to European values,” he argued.
May 1
Despite dismissing Morocco’s demands for a convincing clarification, Spain continued to issue reassurances about the depth of Madrid-Rabat relations, suggesting that Ghali’s case won’t affect such strong ties. Morocco’s Foreign Affairs Minister Nasser Bourita criticized the country’s carefree approach, saying Morocco “regrets” Spain’s tendency to downplay the situation despite the sensitivity of the topic.
Bourita gave his first interview to Spanish news agency EFE. In it, he strongly took aim at Spanish authorities for sheltering Ghali. The Moroccan FM asked if Spain is ready to “sacrifice its bilateral relationship with [Morocco] because of Brahim Ghali,” emphasizing that Madrid’s claim of “humanitarian reasons” to host Ghali was not a “satisfactory” response. May 3
Amid the raging crisis, some observers started speaking of possible de-escalation after many Spanish news outlets reported that Ghali would appear before a court to stand trial for the legal charges against him.
La Razon said on May 3 that the Spanish judiciary summoned Ghali along with other senior members of the Polisario Front.e
Read Also: Spanish News Outlet Slams Spain For Offering Impunity to Polisario Leader
May 4
The Spanish FM Arancha Gonzalez Laya said Spain would not intervene if the Spanish judiciary summoned Ghali to answer for the litany of criminal charges against him.
“Spain’s position with respect to Morocco is strategic and has not changed,” she said.
May 6
Spanish news outlets reported on Ghali’s summoning by the Spanish high court, saying that the Polisario chief would answer the court’s request following his discharge on June 1.
May 8
On Saturday, May 8, Morocco issued its third official statement regarding the tension with Spain, with FM Bourita reiterating Rabat’’s displeasure with Madrid’s dismissive attitude towards Morocco’s concerns.
“The decision of the Spanish authorities to not notify their Moroccan counterparts of the arrival of the leader of the Polisario militias was not a simple omission; it was a premeditated act,” he said, adding that Morocco had taken note and would respond accordingly.
On the same day, Europa Press quoted the Spanish FM as saying that her country has “nothing to add to what it has said so far.”
May 12
Spain’s People Party (PP) criticized the Spanish government for receiving Ghali, calling on Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to provide convincing clarification regarding Madrid’s act.
Mid-May
Tensions between Spain and Morocco reached new heights after the arrival of 9,000 irregular migrants in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, including minors and women.
Photos went viral of masses of migrants leaving Morocco’s shores, causing frustration among Spain’s political and media elite.
Some politicians even ignored and whitewashed Morocco’s efforts in curbing the flow of EU-bound irregular migration, contradicting their previous remarks in touting the North African country’s “indispensable” contribution to the management of Europe-bound irregular migration. Repatriating over 7,000 people against international law, Spain also mobilized its army and used tear gas and violence against migrants in Ceuta.
May 18
The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Morocco’s ambassador to Madrid, Karima Benyaich, for “consultations” on the migration crisis in Ceuta.
On the same day, EFE reported that Morocco’s government had summoned Benyaich in return, with the suggestion that Rabat had nothing to clarify or atone for.
Within hours, Spanish National Court Judge Santiago Pedraz announced his decision to open a legal case against Ghali for his involvement in several, serious crimes.
The judge decided to reopen the case after several rights organizations criticized Spain for admitting and protecting the separatist leader.
On the same day, Karima Benyaich criticized Spain, emphasizing that “there are acts that have consequences” in relations between countries.
Such acts “have to be assumed,” Benyaich stressed while referencing Spain’s decision to host Ghali for medical care.
“There are attitudes that cannot be accepted,” she said. She added that diplomatic relations have to be based on “ mutual trust.”
Read Also: Spain Wants a Truce, Asks Morocco’s Help to Combat Terrorism
May 19
The Spanish FM maintained her country’s position, downplaying the severity of hosting Ghali despite Morocco’s repeated protests.
She said Spain will “be firm in defense of its territorial integrity,” repeating her claims that her country’s decision to hospitalize Ghali was solely motivated by “humanitarian reasons.”
The Spanish FM also said that her country seeks to continue to build bridges with Morocco.
Spain’s position drew criticism not only from Morocco but also from former Catalan president Carles Puigdemont.
Puigdemont criticized Spain, saying that “Morocco has the right to raise the question of sovereignty and it would be necessary to create a dialogue table to resolve the conflict.”
He said that dialogue between Morocco and Spain would be necessary to address their disagreements.
May 20
Responding to Spain’s decision to attribute the rift to the migration crisis in Ceuta, Morocco’s Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita issued another strongly-worded statement to condemn what he characterized as Madrid’s bad faith and diversionary tactics.
In the statement, Bourita said that Spain should be aware that Morocco “is not the same as yesterday. Some parties in Spain must refresh their view regarding Morocco.”
He also condemned Spain’s “duality of rhetoric and positions.” – claiming to be committed to friendship with Morocco while fueling “unfounded allegations and blackmail accusations” against the country.
The statement came after Spanish media and some government officials accused Morocco of weaponizing irregular migration to blackmail Spain.
repeatedly attacked Morocco, accusing the kingdom of blackmail.
“We are not going to accept blackmail, the integrity of Spain is not negotiable or at stake and we are going to use all necessary means to guarantee the territorial integrity and monitor the borders,” said Spanish defense minister Margarita Robles.
The Moroccan FM condemned the remarks, arguing that Morocco “does not need to be graded by Spain or its media.” He emphasized that Morocco is not Europe’s gendarme, saying that if Morocco is helping in migratory management it is doing that as a partner.
Warning that Spain was using the Ceuta crisis to avoid the real debate about its sheltering of Ghali, Bourita said that Morocco’s ambassador to Spain, Karima Benyaich, would not return as long as the causes of the crisis persisted.
May 21
Spanish news outlet La Razon published an interview with Spanish FM Gonzalez Laya. In it, Laya dodged Morocco’s concerns and repeated the claim that her country’s decision to host Ghali was “purely for a humanitarian reason.”
She also claimed that the Polisario chief’s entry into Spain was not a secret but “discreet.”
“I cannot conceive that a humanitarian gesture is given a response to the migration crisis of very young children, as we have seen in Ceuta,” she said.
In response, Morocco’s ambassador to Spain said that Madrid has “disgracefully opted for opacity by maneuvering behind Morocco’s back.”
She said that Morocco was not waiting for any favors or special treatment but expected Madrid to abide by its commitments, including respect “good of neighborliness and strategic partnership between the two countries.”
May 22
The director-general of political affairs at the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs called for a transparent investigation into Polisario Brahim Ghali’s case.
He said that the inquiry may “reveal many surprises, in particular the complexity and interference by four generals from a Maghreb country.”
The Moroccan official pointed to four Algerian army generals who helped Ghali to travel to Spain under fake identity and passport, according to local media.
May 23
Morocco renewed its position on the crisis, warning that tensions would only worsen if Spanish authorities allowed Ghali to leave Spain.
“Madrid has created a crisis and wants Europe to assume it,” Bourita said.
He also debunked Laya’s claims that contact between Morocco and Spain remains fluid.
There had been no contact between him and Laya since the crisis began, Bourita noted.
He also condemned Spain’s media’s attempts to set a narrative that blames Morocco for failing to control its borders.
“Morocco has no obligation to act. Morocco is neither Europe’s gendarme nor its janitor,” Bourita said.
He also highlighted Morocco’s efforts in curbing irregular migration and trafficking in the Mediterranean, pointing out that the country dismantled 8,000 human trafficking cells, 14,000 irregular migration attempts, including 80 operations in Ceuta in the past four years.
LCI also published statements from Morocco’s FM, in which he called for “shared responsibility” in tackling irregular migration and its impact on Europe.
May 24
Spanish news outlet OKDIARIO published an interview with Polisario member Salem Lebsir who entered Spain to visit Ghali.
In the interview, Lebsir said Ghali is planning to leave Spain without answering the pending legal charges against him.
He also claimed that the accusations against Ghali were “lies” designed to tarnish his reputation.”
May 25
Amid boiling tensions between Spain and Morocco, an Algerian military airplane landed in the Torreon de Ardoz airbase in Madrid on May 25.
Algerian military personnel visited Madrid to participate in a series of meetings with senior Spanish officers from the Defence Staff, Europa Press reported.
On the same day, Spain’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Jose Maria Garcia Margallo, urged Spain to reconsider its position on the Western Sahara conflict.
He also called on Madrid to take into account the new geopolitical context following the US’ decision to recognize Morocco’s sovereignty over its southern regions.
May 26
In an attempt to de-escalate tensions amid repeated hostile remarks from Spanish officials, Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said he wanted his country to “preserve” relations with Morocco.
He said cooperation between the countries “must be based on trust and respect for borders.”
“We have the best disposition to resolve this crisis with Morocco.”
Amid escalating tensions, El Pais quoted sources as saying that Spain’s National had allowed Ghali to give his statement virtually.
May 27
Ambassador Benyaich criticized Spanish FM Gonzalez Laya for her repeated remarks hostile against Rabat.
The Moroccan diplomat said it was important to know whether Laya’s recent remarks are “clumsiness” from the Spanish official or if they “reflect the real inclinations of certain Spanish circles against Morocco’s territorial integrity.
She said “Morocco’s territorial integrity is a sacred cause” for the Moroccan people and all vital forces in the country.
The diplomat also warned that the mutual respect that Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez talked about recently “unfortunately is now being called into question today.”
May 29
Spanish news outlet El Pais quoted sources saying that Spain withdrew from this year’s African Lion military maneuvers.
May 30
Morocco issued a new statement about the crisis between Rabat and Madrid, commenting on the court’s decision to summon Ghali for a statement.
Morocco said that while the summoning was a positive development, Ghali’s court appearance could not alone come close to solving “the serious crisis between the two neighboring countries.”
Morocco’s FM said that Spain made a big mistake by allowing the separatist leader to enter its territories in a “fraudulent and occult manner.”
He emphasized that the crisis is also a matter of “broken trust.”
May 31
Bourita expressed astonishment against remarks made by Spain’s PM amid escalation of tensions.
Sanchez had accused Morocco of allowing waves of irregular migrants to enter the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. The Spanish PM had also described the action as “unacceptable” and an “assault on our national borders.”
In response, Morocco’s FM said, “Morocco is not used to engaging in controversies over statements by senior officials in foreign countries. However, today’s comment by the President of the Spanish government rejecting the Moroccan declaration by linking it to migration arouses great surprise.”
He added that Morocco stood firmly by the notion that the bilateral crisis was not linked to the migration issue.
June 1
King Mohammed VI ordered the Moroccan government to address the situation of unaccompanied minors in European countries, particularly Spain and France.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs cited King Mohammed VI’s instructions, emphasizing Morocco’s commitment to continue to collaborate with European countries for the settlement of the issue of unaccompanied minors.
On the same day and hours after the decision, a Spanish court ruled in favor of Ghali, dismissing all charges against him while citing “lack of evidence.”
The court’s decision allowed Ghali to leave Spain. The decision fueled tensions between the two countries, but Morocco is yet to officially respond to the action.
Analysts, activists, and citizens in Morocco condemned the Spanish court’s controversial ruling and called on Rabat to cut ties with Spain.
June 2
Polisario chief Brahim Ghali left Spain aboard an Algerian plane.
The decision to free Ghali angered Spanish Popular Party (PP), who formally called on Foreign Affairs Minister Arancha Gonzalez Laya to resign.
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune visited Ghali upon his arrival in Algiers and Ghali thanked Tebboune for his help.
“Cases of truth are a priority for Algeria,” Tebboune said while thanking Spain for accepting Algeria’s request to host Ghali for hospitalization.
Moroccans continue to wait for yet another strong-worded statement against Spain. It remains to be seen whether the country will respond to Spain’s decision to acquit with a permanent rupture of diplomatic ties.
