Spanish intelligence analyst predicts Morocco-Spain joint sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla

Spanish intelligence analyst predicts Morocco-Spain joint sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla
Tuesday 13 August 2024 - 16:51

Intelligence analyst Fernando Cocho recently made controversial statements discussing a possibility of agreement between Spain and Morocco regarding a form of co-sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla, projected for around 2030 to 2032.

The Spanish Analyst made these statements in an interview with the radio program Hoy Por Hoy on the Cadena Ser station in Ceuta causing large outrage from Spanish media outlets and other Spanish political analysts.

The possible co-sovereignty pact spurs the discussion of Spain’s constitutional claims to Ceuta and Melilla and its strategic significance in light of NATO obligations and regional security dynamics.

Cocho explained that a potential joint sovereignty agreement between Spain and Morocco over Ceuta and Melilla is based on precedents found in international law, predicting it would occur around 2030-2032

The analyst compares this to historical precedents like Hong Kong and Macao, where the two countries shared governance. Cocho suggests that such an arrangement might be framed as a “special statute” rather than traditional joint sovereignty involving unique legal and administrative setups.

He also highlights how international laws can be adapted to fit the interests of powerful stakeholders, with Morocco’s strategic alliances playing a significant role, noting that France and the US support Morocco in counterbalancing Russia, China, and BRICS influence in Africa.

Fernando Cocho points to Morocco’s ambitions to extend its influence, including claims to the continental shelf near the Canary Islands and the strategic development of the Tanger-Med port. These moves are seen as part of a broader strategy to gain control over important resources and areas.

Cocho statements were to criticize Spain for not responding to Morocco’s strategies, leading to the isolation of Ceuta and Melilla.

Cocho also predicts that these expansionist goals will complicate negotiations with Spain over Melilla and Ceuta, suggesting that Morocco’s push for greater dominance will lead to challenging discussions between the two countries.

add your comment

Terms of publication : Not to offend the writer, people, sacred things, or attack religions or the divine self, and refrain from racist incitement and insults.

News
Storm damages national power grid, triggers widespread electricity cuts in Casablanca
Wednesday 11 November 2026 - 20:58

Storm damages national power grid, triggers widespread electricity cuts in Casablanca

News
Morocco’s housing assistance program faces backlog of more than 109,000 eligible applicants
Wednesday 11 November 2026 - 19:00

Morocco’s housing assistance program faces backlog of more than 109,000 eligible applicants

Politics
16 Moroccan political parties received no public funding in 2024
Wednesday 11 November 2026 - 18:01

16 Moroccan political parties received no public funding in 2024

International
Schools evacuated across Italy after bomb threats
Wednesday 11 November 2026 - 17:16

Schools evacuated across Italy after bomb threats