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Denver – The Council of Europe is mandating action from Madrid to formally recognize Arabic and Darija in its North African enclaves within two years.
According to reports, by August of 2023, the Spanish government will be required to provide a report complying to the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, specifically in relation to Arabic and Darija.
Spain, which currently recognizes four official languages in its mainland, has been petitioned since 2008 to recognize Arabic and Darija within its two North African enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla. Madrid has pushed back on the initiative, refusing to give a formal answer for nearly thirteen years. Now, however, the Spanish government will have little choice but to adhere to the Council of Europe’s mandate.
While Spain has not hesitated in recognizing languages such as Catalan, Basque, and Galician, it has to date firmly refused to recognize Arabic and Darija within its enclaves. This is despite the fact that approximately 63% of the population in Ceuta are of Moroccan origin and use Darija daily, according to the Institute of Studies in Ceuta.
The attitude of the Spanish government of Madrid appears to be at odds with the perception of local residents in the twin enclaves. In a poll conducted earlier this year, 20% of Spanish residents in Ceuta and Melilla said the territories would return to Moroccan ownership within the next twenty years.
Despite territorial disagreements about the two cities, both Ceuta and Melilla have been a historic blend of both Arab and European cultures. Prior to this year’s border closings, Moroccan vendors frequently crossed between the border of the cities, bringing a unique mix of culture and history.
By refusing to recognize the principal languages of the enclave’s Moroccan inhabitants, Madrid is effectively refusing to recognize Spain’s historic ties to Morocco and the Arab world, advocacy groups have argued.
