Morocco's False Claims Over Ceuta, Melilla, and the Canary Islands

Recently, a piece of news went viral claiming that a Spanish intelligence agent stated that Morocco is working to recover Ceuta, Melilla, and the Canary Islands. However, this statement is not only misleading but also historically inaccurate. It is crucial to shed light on these historical facts to clarify the misconceptions surrounding these territories.

Firstly, it is important to note that the notion of ceasing to possess something never belongs to Moroccan territories. Ceuta and Melilla are cities that have been Spanish territories for centuries, while the Canary Islands, belonging to Spain, are situated far from Morocco's coastline. Let us delve into the historical context to understand why these territories have never been part of Morocco.

The Historical Context of Ceuta, Melilla, and the Canary Islands

Canary Islands: Never Part of the Moroccan Empire
Historically, the Canary Islands have never been part of the Moroccan Empire. The Guanches, an indigenous group living on these islands before the Spanish conquest, spoke their own language and were not under the control of any central state. It wasn't until 1402 that Spain initiated its colonization of the Canary Islands, which were incorporated into the Castilian Kingdom in 1495. By 1946, the Canary Islands became an integral part of Spain, a process that solidified their territory long before the establishment of the Moroccan state.

Ceuta and Melilla: Not an Extension of Spain in Morocco
These two cities have also been part of Spain for centuries, not Morocco. Spain's presence in Ceuta and Melilla began in the 15th century. Their strategic importance to Spain's Mediterranean trade network and the empire's military campaigns cannot be understated. Ceuta was once a crucial port for invasions into Iberia, while Melilla served as a settlement for Riffian Berbers until Spain took control in the late 19th century. The Moroccan Monarchy, since 1850, has shown no interest in reclaiming these territories due to the costs and potential diplomatic ramifications.

Historical Facts and Misconceptions

Within the context of the Moroccan-Andalusian history, it is clear that the Canary Islands were conquered by the Portuguese and later incorporated into the Spanish crown, which has ruled them since the 15th century. Similarly, Ceuta and Melilla have been part of Spain since the 15th century, long before the formation of the modern Moroccan state in the 20th century. These territories have always been integral parts of Spain, representing a connection between the Iberian Peninsula and the African continent. Therefore, the statement that these territories belong to or can be "recovered" by Morocco is fundamentally flawed.

Furthermore, various Moroccan nationalist groups have adopted the causes related to Ceuta and Melilla as part of the series of humiliations that Morocco faced at the hands of European powers. However, the Moroccan Monarchy has consistently pursued a policy of non-interference in these matters, as they recognize the costs and strategic drawbacks of engaging in prolonged conflicts.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In conclusion, it is evident that the idea of Morocco recovering Ceuta, Melilla, and the Canary Islands is baseless and historically inaccurate. The territories in question have been part of Spain for centuries and are not extensions of Spanish territory in Morocco. This misconception is primarily fueled by a misunderstanding of historical contexts and the geopolitical realities of the region. The claims made by the Moroccan intelligence agent are false, and it is important to engage in factual discourse to dispel such misinformation.

The Spanish intelligence agent, a real expert on the subject, would not refer to these territories as "recovering" them. Meadow's concerns that these types of false claims are becoming more prevalent online, specifically on platforms such as Quora, are valid. It is essential that individuals and communities engage in fact-based discussions to promote a deeper understanding of regional history and geopolitics.