Tensions rise over trade operations between Melilla and Morocco

Melilla is witnessing growing controversy over its trade operations with Morocco, as the local government, led by the People’s Party (PP), raises concerns about the fairness of export procedures at the Beni Ansar customs post.

According to Europa Press, the dispute centers on accusations against the Spanish government’s representative in Melilla, Sabrina Moh of the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE).

The local administration alleges that she has granted preferential treatment to a single businessman, raising suspicions of favoritism in the first export operations since the reopening of commercial customs after a five-year hiatus.

On January 15, 2025, the commercial customs post between Melilla and Morocco resumed operations after being closed since the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, the businessman in question has carried out five export transactions to Morocco, including electrical and mechanical equipment, personal hygiene products, and the first seafood import in years.

However, the local government has criticized the handling of these transactions, calling the procedures “chaotic” and accusing Moh of “monopolizing the service for one businessman at the expense of fair competition.”

Miguel Marín, First Vice President of Melilla’s government under Juan José Imbroda, voiced his concerns: “How is it possible that five export operations have been granted to just one businessman since the customs post reopened? There are serious doubts about the procedures followed by the government representative.”

Marín added that the local government will remain “vigilant” in monitoring any administrative irregularities, accusing Moh of “betraying the people of Melilla” by failing to ensure equal opportunities for all traders.

In response, the businessman at the center of the controversy firmly denied the allegations of favoritism, insisting that there is no monopoly on export operations. He explained that Melilla’s unique bureaucratic challenges, stemming from its status as an autonomous Spanish enclave, required specific customs documentation adjustments, which he had successfully navigated.

He also revealed that he had personally invested in establishing a health inspection checkpoint at Melilla’s port for veterinary food control. He emphasized that this facility is “public” and accessible to any trader for the same fees applied at Almería’s port.

The businessman further argued that any trader meeting the necessary requirements could engage in import and export operations “in the exact same manner as I have—there is no special privilege or exclusivity.” He also pointed out that a similar checkpoint has been set up at Morocco’s Beni Ansar port, reinforcing the shared trade infrastructure between the two sides.