Sebta and Melilla: Benabdallah restates his party’s position

This update focuses on Benabdallah Sebta Melilla stance. Speaking in Morocco’s Driouch province, Mohamed Nabil Benabdallah restated Morocco’s claim over Sebta and Melilla, while urging balanced relations with Spain.

Benabdallah Sebta Melilla stance restated

During a communication meeting in Ben Tayeb, the secretary-general of the Party of Progress and Socialism (PPS) described Sebta and Melilla as “two occupied Moroccan cities.”

He stressed that this claim is, in his view, rooted in history. He said that “no one can deny” this reality and argued that time will eventually impose it.

The PPS leader did not announce any concrete policy change. His statement falls in line with his party’s already known stance on the issue.

Harsh rhetoric, but a call for good neighbourly ties

Mohamed Nabil Benabdallah also condemned acts attributed to “chauvinist and far-right” circles in Spain, following the circulation of images showing a torn Moroccan flag during protests.

According to him, such acts fuel hatred and can generate “division, anxiety, unrest and conflict” between the Moroccan and Spanish peoples.

At the same time, he underlined Morocco’s constant will to maintain good relations with Spain, citing the principle of good neighbourliness and the ties already built between the two countries.

The political leader drew a clear distinction between two levels:

• defending Morocco’s “legitimate rights” over Sebta and Melilla;
• preserving balanced relations with Madrid and the Spanish people.

He called for managing this file with “balance and intelligence,” despite harsh rhetoric and symbolic gestures seen as hostile.

What does this mean for Moroccans living abroad?

For Moroccans living abroad, the Benabdallah Sebta Melilla stance does not, at this stage, change the rules for travelling between Morocco and Spain.

No new official measures regarding borders, ferry links or air routes have been announced following this political statement.

Moroccans abroad who transit through Spain to reach Morocco can therefore, for now, keep their usual travel plans. Flight bookings with airlines operating between the two countries continue under the same conditions as before.

Authorities on both shores of the Mediterranean have not reported any change in border-crossing procedures or administrative formalities linked to this speech.

National symbols and basic travel caution

Benabdallah condemned demonstrations during which the Moroccan flag is torn, saying such acts offend the feelings of Moroccan citizens.

For Moroccans settled in Europe, especially in Spain, these tensions are a reminder to pay attention to the local mood during sensitive public gatherings.

Without giving in to fear or overreaction, it may be wise to:

• avoid protest areas explicitly targeting Morocco when tensions are high;
• follow safety advice from local authorities;
• regularly check official information before any cross-border journey.

The Benabdallah Sebta Melilla stance sums up a long-standing political line, which remains mostly symbolic at this stage. For Moroccans abroad, the key issue for now is to calmly follow developments in official relations between Rabat and Madrid, which still officially rely on good neighbourly principles.

Watch for official updates

In the absence of new government decisions, usual travel channels remain open. Moroccans abroad planning a trip home are encouraged to consult official Moroccan and Spanish platforms for any possible updates.

Political statements such as Benabdallah’s may revive public debate on Sebta and Melilla, but they do not automatically translate into immediate changes for travellers.

Until there are concrete developments, the priority for Moroccans living abroad is to secure their bookings, check conditions with official transport operators and stay informed through institutional channels.

For more context, readers can follow Canal212 news for Moroccans abroad.

For official updates, readers can check the relevant official source.