Morocco emboldened by strong US ties, amid fears of second migrant surge into Spanish enclaves

Emboldened by support from the US, Morocco could be exploiting its border crisis with Spain to push for new concessions on the status of two Spanish enclaves in North Africa. Morocco said on Wednesday (12 August) that it had tightened security along its border with Spain, amid concerns that the border could face a second mass crossing in the coming days. Messages have been circulating in Moroccan social media groups about a new rush on Ceuta’s border on Saturday, in what could be a major challenge to Spain’s border-control resources. In its Wednesday statement, Morocco’s interior ministry said that “all necessary measures have been taken to counter” any new “illegal crossing attempt.” It also said the security monitoring waas part of a “system of continuous vigilance — particularly in areas near the Ceuta and Melilla [the Spanish enclaves] crossings.” However, officials in Madrid are also anxious about the quiet role of president Donald Trump’s administration in giving Morocco the confidence to challenge both the EU’s external border and Spain’s sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla, which are part of the African continent. And that was before Rabat signed up Qorvis, a public relations firms founded by veteran Washington DC-based journalist Samantha Sault, for a six month communications campaign worth $210,000 (€180,000), as it seeks to build a ‘golden age’ in relations with the United States. To read this story, log in or subscribeEnjoy access to all articles and 25 years of archives, comment and gift articles. Become a subscriber for as low as €1,75 per week.Read without limitsAlready a subscriber? Login