Morocco-Spain crisis: what about Operation Marhaba?
The largest movement of people and vehicles between Europe and Morocco is in danger of being compromised, once again. But this year, unlike the previous year, it is the freeze on bilateral cooperation between Rabat and Madrid that could scuttle Operation Marhaba.
While the majority of forecasts leaned for a scenario of appeasement in Moroccan-Spanish relations, following the summons of the leader of the Polisario, Brahim Ghali, for a hearing on June 1 before the investigating judge of the National Hearing and the announcement made by his entourage about his intention to appear, the recent statements of Cherkaoui Habboub, director of the Central Bureau of Judicial Investigation (BCIJ) showed that the tension is still very present.
In an interview with the electronic press, the Moroccan official raised the threat of suspension of police cooperation with his neighbor to the north. This, even if the Spanish Minister of the Interior, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, tried to show that the skies are clear by assuring, during the last week, that police cooperation between the two countries is indeed maintained.
What then becomes of Operation Marhaba 2021? Will it be compromised? Given the context, some are betting that this important movement of Moroccan holidaymakers returning to their homeland will not take place this year as well. This would, at least, be valid for the classic version of this operation, that is to say following the same procedures as those adopted until the 32nd edition organized in 2019. If the health situation already left the threat of the suspension on Operation Marhaba, diplomatic and political tension has now added to the picture. Cooperation and fluid communication in Rabat and Madrid were, however, the pillars of the management of these human flows.
Indeed, Spain is deploying a significant security system during the crossing, like the 808 agents mobilized in 2019 during the last edition, with a reserve of 73 if necessary.
Morocco, for its part, does not skimp on the means to welcome its citizens. However, putting the collaboration on hold means the suspension of transit.
What could happen?
Among the possible scenarios, we are told, is the option of a controlled opening from August and the end of the festivities marking the celebration of Eid Al Adha. This would be, for example, reduced scheduling of services, as in the case of repatriation arrangements via the port of Tanger-Med.
From consular sources, it appears that Moroccan authorities are expecting a rush of Moroccans living abroad if the borders are reopened. After two years of restriction, most Moroccans around the world plan to return home this summer. “There is a high demand on the renewal of identity cards and passports at our consulate. I imagine that this situation is the same in all consular districts, not only in Spain, but everywhere in Europe where there is a strong presence of the Moroccan community ", testifies this member of a consular representation in Spain.
In fact, and despite holding dual nationality, several Moroccans have chosen to renew their Moroccan travel documents, in the event that access to the kingdom is restricted to nationals only. In any case, those responsible for the Spanish ports are crossing their fingers and hoping for the organization of the crossing for holidaymakers. As confirmed by sources within the Port Authority of Algeciras, the most important terminal during this operation.
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