The mayor of Spain’s North African enclave of Melilla has called on Morocco to establish a 500-meter-wide neutral zone along the shared border, citing security concerns and the need to reduce tensions in the strategically sensitive area. The proposal comes amid ongoing disputes over migration, smuggling and border control that have strained relations between Rabat and Madrid.
Eduardo de Castro, mayor of Melilla since 2019, said the neutral zone would help prevent illegal crossings, reduce the risk of confrontations and create a buffer area where both Spanish and Moroccan authorities could cooperate more effectively. He argued that the current situation, with migrants and smugglers attempting to breach the border fence, poses a threat to public safety and undermines efforts to manage migration in an orderly manner.
Melilla, along with Ceuta, is one of two Spanish territories on the African continent, separated from Morocco by a heavily fortified border fence. The enclave has long been a flashpoint for migration, with thousands of people attempting to cross into Spain each year in search of better opportunities in Europe. Morocco has at times eased border controls to pressure Spain over political disputes, including over Western Sahara and the status of the enclaves.
The mayor’s proposal has been met with mixed reactions. Local residents and business owners in Melilla have welcomed the idea, saying it could improve security and reduce the chaos that often accompanies mass border crossings. However, Moroccan officials have not yet responded to the suggestion, and analysts say Rabat is unlikely to agree to a neutral zone without significant concessions from Madrid.
Human rights groups have also raised concerns, warning that a neutral zone could lead to increased pushbacks and violations of asylum seekers’ rights. They argue that the focus should be on improving legal pathways for migration and addressing the root causes of irregular movement, rather than tightening border controls.
The Spanish government has not commented on the mayor’s proposal, but officials in Madrid have been working to improve relations with Rabat after years of tension. Both countries have recognised the need for cooperation on migration, security and trade, but deep-seated disagreements over sovereignty and Western Sahara continue to complicate the relationship.
For now, the call for a neutral zone remains a proposal, but it underscores the challenges of managing one of Europe’s most contentious borders. As migration pressures mount and geopolitical tensions simmer, the future of Melilla, and its relationship with Morocco, now still remains uncertain.
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