Why does Spain have ‘enclaves’ in North Africa?

What the report says

Al Jazeera reported on August 3, 2026, that Spain’s enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, along with several small nearby islets known as the Plazas de Soberanía, remain a long-running source of tension in Spain’s relationship with Morocco. The territories sit on the northern coast of Africa, border Morocco, and are the only European territories on African soil. Spain says they are Spanish territory, while Morocco has rejected that claim and has sought their return since its independence from France in 1956.

The article said the enclaves are remnants of Spain’s colonial past and never transferred to Morocco after decolonisation. Ceuta and Melilla have been under Spanish control for centuries, and they now function as part of the European Union’s external border. The piece also noted that the sovereignty dispute is more political than legal, according to experts quoted by Al Jazeera, even though Morocco argues from historical, geographic and human grounds.

The story comes after a major migrant surge into Ceuta last week, when more than 50,000 people crossed from Morocco into the enclave, briefly intensifying bilateral tensions. While most migrants had returned to Morocco by the time of publication, several thousand remained in Ceuta. The article said the sudden influx heightened local anxieties and prompted residents to oppose a far-right anti-migrant rally.

Al Jazeera also highlighted the views of people living in the enclaves. Ceuta and Melilla together are home to more than 170,000 residents, including mixed Christian, Muslim and other communities, and most appear to want to remain under Spanish rule. At the same time, the territories maintain close social and economic ties with Morocco, making their future a sensitive issue for both governments.