Rabat recalls its ambassador to Madrid amid growing diplomatic row

Morocco has decided to recall its ambassador to Spain for consultation amid strained relations over Madrid’s hosting of Polisario leader and the record number of migrants who reached the occupied enclave of Ceuta, according to several local media outlets.

The decision comes after the Spanish foreign ministry summoned on Tuesday Moroccan ambassador to Madrid Karima Benyaich after over 5,000 migrants reached in a single day Ceuta by swimming or walking at low tide from beaches in neighboring Morocco.

According to diplomatic sources, the move also comes after the visit paid this Tuesday by Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez to the occupied enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla.

In a statement to Spanish news agency Europa Press, Mrs. Benyaich said that in relations between countries, “there are actions that have consequences and we must assume them”, making reference to the Spanish Government’s decision to host polisario chief Brahim Ghali under a false identity to enable him escape justice for crimes against humanity.

There are “attitudes which cannot be accepted”, added the Moroccan ambassador, stressing that relations between neighboring countries and friends must be based on “mutual trust”.

In Rabat, a senior diplomatic source says the Moroccan decision of recalling its envoy to Madrid is not linked to Ceuta migrants’ crisis.