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Amid mounting accusations of economically stifling the city, Melilla officials have turned their criticism toward Morocco over the handling of the 2025 Marhaba operation.
Manuel Angel Quevedo, president of the Melilla Port Authority, accused Morocco of implementing a «deliberate strategy» to undermine the autonomous city and redirect passenger traffic to its own ports. «Morocco is doing what it does best, disrupting the Beni Ansar border crossing while streamlining entry through Nador», he stated.
According to Quevedo, this approach is causing more travelers to favor the Nador port, where passports are stamped onboard the ferry, saving them hours of waiting at Beni Ansar.
But his criticism extended beyond Morocco. Quevedo also targeted Spain’s central government, claiming it has failed to defend Melilla’s interests. «They defend theirs, but we don’t defend ours», he said, denouncing what he described as official neglect in the face of «deliberate discrimination«against the city.
He warned that without proper functioning at the border, particularly a designated lane for travelers at risk of missing their ferry, entire families could face waits of 24 to 48 hours just to leave Melilla. He also noted that the situation is worsened by a sharp reduction in ferry service, down from 21 to just 12 trips, significantly limiting the port’s ability to absorb delays or emergencies.
As for traffic numbers, Quevedo said that between January 1 and May 31, the number of travelers remained nearly unchanged from last year, with a marginal increase of just 300 passengers.
