The border between Melilla and Morocco’s Nador province witnessed a notable event today as a truck carrying household appliances and cleaning supplies crossed the commercial customs point at “Bab Melilla” into Beni Ansar. The incident has reignited discussions about the potential reopening of commercial customs between the two sides, which has been closed since 2018.
Local media, including El Faro de Melilla, documented the crossing with images, reporting it as part of an agreement reached last week between Morocco and Spain. However, Sabrina Moh, the Spanish government’s delegate in Melilla, denied any official reopening of the commercial customs post, despite her presence during the operation. She clarified that the matter is still under negotiation between the Moroccan and Spanish governments.
Speaking to the press, Moh stated that “details of the operation will be disclosed at the appropriate time,” emphasizing that official announcements will come from Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Local outlets suggested the event might have been a “trial run.”
Moh urged caution in addressing the situation, dismissing claims about the reopening of commercial customs as “incorrect and misleading.” She highlighted ongoing coordinated efforts between Morocco and Spain, refuting assertions that Morocco had imposed unfair conditions on Spain in the negotiations.
“When the time comes to reopen customs officially, it will be announced transparently,” Moh assured, while criticizing Melilla’s local government for not maintaining the same level of coordination seen in Ceuta, which has complicated border management efforts.
Separately, Moh is set to meet with local business leaders tomorrow to hear their concerns and expectations amid current border-related uncertainties. She noted that agreements have already been made regarding the movement of people and vehicles across the border, while commercial negotiations are still underway.
This development comes after Morocco and Spain conducted two pilot tests for reopening customs in 2023. These efforts followed Morocco’s commitment to revitalizing the Melilla customs office and establishing a new facility at the Ceuta border during the High-Level Meeting (RAN) held in Rabat in February of the same year.
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