Morocco’s justice minister Abdellatif Ouahbi called on Spain on Saturday, 22 August, to transfer both the surviving migrants and the bodies of those who died to Morocco following the mass border crossing on 30 July at the crossing El Tarajal to Ceuta to Morocco. Among those reporting the demand was Europa Press , citing remarks by Ouahbi. Initially, Madrid had no details on procedures, responsibilities or possible dates.
Spanish authorities documented the events at the border and opened investigations into the deaths. The first victims have already been buried in Ceuta. It is unclear which legal and forensic steps still need to be completed in Spain before the bodies could be handed over, and how the Moroccan side has formally conveyed its request to the Spanish government.
The initiative from Rabat comes amid heightened tensions surrounding Ceuta. Just the day before, Ouahbi had publicly asserted Morocco’s “historic right” to Ceuta and Melilla . The government in Madrid has consistently emphasised Spanish sovereignty over both cities on the North African coast. At the same time, Rabat has repeatedly called for the return of unaccompanied minors in recent weeks.
In early August, Spain’s Ministry of the Interior published a statement on the situation in Ceuta following the events of 30 July. The competent authorities have not yet reported officially confirmed casualty figures or a final tally of the rescue and identification work as complete. The situation also involves several areas of law: criminal and administrative proceedings in Spain, international cooperation on identification and burial, and bilateral arrangements for repatriation.
The attributed motives and interests are clearly distinct: Ouahbi’s demands are politically motivated and aim for the swift repatriation of survivors and those who died. Madrid points to legal procedures and Spain’s jurisdiction over events on the territory of Ceuta. How the two sides intend to handle the practical arrangements—such as identification, consular notification and transport—remains unclear.
The statement of 22 August marks a new development in the dispute over events at the El Tarajal crossing, which has continued since the end of July. It increases the need for diplomatic clarification between Madrid and Rabat, although no concrete timetable or shared procedural framework has yet been announced.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).