Spain’s King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia are scheduled to visit Ceuta on October 13 and Melilla on October 14, marking Felipe's first visit to either city as king since his ascension in 2014. This visit occurs in the context of a significant migration crisis at the Ceuta border in July and the ongoing territorial dispute between Spain and Morocco regarding these two cities located on the North African coast.
Spain asserts that Ceuta and Melilla are integral parts of its territory, while Morocco claims both cities, along with several smaller Spanish-held territories in North Africa, as part of its own territory. The city known as Ceuta in Spanish is referred to as Sabta in Arabic, commonly written as Sebta in Latin script.
The dual naming of the city reflects its historical significance, which predates both modern Spain and Morocco. The Spanish Ministry of Culture traces the name Sabta to various historical periods, including Idrisid, Umayyad, Taifa, Almoravid, Almohad, and Marinid rule. The Spanish name Ceuta evolved from earlier forms of the name, indicating different linguistic interpretations of the same city.
Historically, Ceuta has transitioned through various political and dynastic systems in the Maghreb and al-Andalus. Under the Idrisid dynasty, it was controlled by the Banu Isam before being captured by the Umayyad Caliph Abd al-Rahman III in 931. The city later became associated with the Taifa of Malaga and subsequently came under the control of the Almoravids and Almohads. By the early 15th century, it was under Muslim rule until Portuguese forces led by King John I captured it on August 21, 1415, ending over seven centuries of Muslim governance.
Ceuta remained under Portuguese control for more than two centuries until it was retained by Spain following Portugal's restoration of independence in 1640. The Treaty of Lisbon in 1668 formally recognized Portuguese independence while leaving Ceuta under Spanish sovereignty.
Morocco's claim to Ceuta is based on its historical and geographical context, as the city is located on the North African coast and is surrounded by Morocco on its landward side. Since gaining independence in 1956, Morocco has asserted that Ceuta and Melilla are occupied territories.
Under Spanish law, Ceuta is designated as an autonomous city, with its Statute of Autonomy affirming its status as part of the Spanish nation and providing for its own system of self-government. The dispute centers on sovereignty rather than administration, as Spain currently governs Ceuta.
Both nations interpret the historical context differently, with Morocco citing Ceuta’s long-standing ties to Muslim political systems and Spain emphasizing centuries of Portuguese and Spanish control. The historical record complicates the sovereignty dispute, as the political entities that governed Ceuta prior to 1415 did not conform to modern nation-state boundaries.
The Arabic name Sebta, while used in Morocco, does not inherently carry political implications, as it is simply the Arabic designation for the city. In contrast, Melilla's history diverges from that of Ceuta, having been incorporated into the Crown of Castile in 1497.
Today, both Ceuta and Melilla are recognized as Spanish autonomous cities, with Morocco claiming sovereignty over both. Ceuta's significance extends beyond its geographical size; although it is part of Spain, it is not included in the European Union customs territory, making its border with Morocco an external border of the Schengen area. This status has positioned Ceuta as a critical point for migration and border policy, further complicating relations between Spain and Morocco. The issue gained renewed attention when over 72,000 migrants entered Ceuta from Morocco on July 30, according to Reuters. King Felipe's upcoming visits to Ceuta and Melilla are expected to highlight these ongoing disputes.