Spanische Nordafrika-Exklave: Nach Migrantenansturm: „Historischer“ Königsbesuch in Ceuta

Nearly eight months after an unprecedented influx of migrants, Spanish King Felipe VI recently visited the North African enclave of Ceuta. Accompanied by Queen Letizia, the monarch aimed to show support to the 85,000 residents of the 12-square-kilometer territory. By late July, estimates suggested up to 80,000 migrants from Morocco had crossed into Ceuta, with Felipe describing it as "an unacceptable violation of a Spanish and European border."

Thousands of people lined the streets to greet the royal couple, chanting "Felipe, Felipe!" and "Viva España!" The king and queen shook hands with numerous residents for nearly 20 minutes, while Spanish flags were waved enthusiastically. According to RTVE, the visit was described as "historical," as it was the first time a Spanish head of state had visited Ceuta and the neighboring enclave of Melilla in nearly two decades.

The royals also plan to stay overnight in Ceuta, a first since the end of the Franco dictatorship in the mid-1970s. Their visit to Ceuta also includes a trip to Melilla. The situation in Ceuta has since calmed, with the monarchs attending a civic reception and later visiting a school and holding an interfaith memorial service at the Muslim cemetery for those who died on July 30 and 31 attempting to reach Ceuta.

Over 80 fatalities were recorded at the time, though aid organizations estimate the death toll to be significantly higher. Since the mass migration, Ceuta has seen a notable reduction in tension, with thousands of migrants now housed in a temporary reception center in the port area. Most of the newcomers have voluntarily returned to Morocco.

Ceuta and Melilla, Spanish exclaves along the North African coast, are also claimed by Morocco. The government of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez was put under pressure by the severe border crisis in July, further straining the already tense relations between Madrid and Rabat. The monarchs' visit underscores Spain's claim over Ceuta and Melilla.