Juan Jose Imbroda, the Mayor-President of Melilla, said Morocco should establish a neutral zone along the borders of Melilla and Ceuta [1].
The proposal comes as Spanish officials struggle to manage a severe surge of migrants targeting the enclave of Ceuta. This request reflects the escalating tension and logistical pressure on the North African coast, where Spain maintains these two sovereign territories.
Imbroda said the neutral zone should be 500 meters wide [1]. He suggested this buffer would serve as a stabilizing measure between the Spanish enclaves and Moroccan territory. The move is intended to mitigate the immediate pressure on border security and prevent the chaotic conditions currently seen at the crossing points.
The request specifically addresses the volatility surrounding Ceuta, though the proposal encompasses both Spanish territories in the region [1]. Officials in Melilla and Ceuta have faced increasing challenges in maintaining border integrity as migration patterns shift toward these specific entry points.
Spain and Morocco have a complex history regarding the management of these borders. While both nations often cooperate on security, the sudden increase in migrant arrivals has strained existing agreements. Imbroda said the neutral zone would provide a necessary space to coordinate efforts, and manage the flow of people more effectively [1].
Morocco has not yet officially responded to the request for the 500-meter zone [1]. The implementation of such a zone would require high-level diplomatic coordination, and a mutual agreement on patrolling and surveillance within the buffer area.
“Juan Jose Imbroda called on Morocco to establish a neutral zone along the borders of Melilla and Ceuta.”
The request for a neutral zone signifies a shift toward more formalized spatial buffers to manage migration crises. By proposing a physical distance between the border fence and Moroccan territory, Spain is attempting to move the point of friction away from its own sovereign line, potentially reducing direct clashes and creating a managed area for joint security operations.
