Morocco

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29/09/2021

Morocco, Algeria slam France’s ‘unjustified’ decision to slash visas

Morocco and Algeria have expressed their dismay at France’s decision to reduce the number of visas granted to nationals from Maghreb countries, with Algeria summoning the French ambassador in protest (source: France24).

April-May-June 2021

Migrants reach Spain’s Ceuta enclave in record numbers

At least 6,000 migrants have reached Spain’s Ceuta enclave from neighbouring Morocco, a record number over a single day, Spanish officials say. Spanish officials quoted by Efe said Moroccan guards had helped the Spanish forces in Melilla. Some migrants threw stones at the Spanish forces, they said. Spanish media said it was different in Ceuta, where Moroccan border guards stood by and watched as migrants took to the sea to try to reach the enclave. The influx comes amid renewed tension over Western Sahara, a territory occupied by Spain until 1975, when Morocco annexed it. Since then it has been disputed between Morocco and the indigenous Sahrawi people, led by the Polisario Front. In April, Spain allowed Sahrawi leader Brahim Ghali, 73, to be treated in hospital for Covid-19, reportedly in Logroño. He leads the Polisario Front, fighting for Western Saharan sovereignty against the claims of Morocco. The Moroccan government responded angrily and warned Spain that harbouring Mr Ghali would bring “consequences” (source: BBC).