Queen Sofia’s visit to Melilla sparks controversy

The announcement of a scheduled visit by Spain’s honorary queen, Queen Sofia, to the occupied city of Melilla has sparked diverse reactions among the Moroccan population residing in the city and in the neighboring town of Beni Ensar. The visit, set to take place on Thursday, has reignited tensions and debates at both the social and political levels, especially amid an already sensitive diplomatic climate between Rabat and Madrid.

On one side, some Moroccan residents have welcomed the visit, perceiving it as a humanitarian gesture. They interpret Queen Sofia’s presence as a symbol of goodwill, possibly aimed at supporting vulnerable communities or fostering social cohesion in the region. These voices emphasize the queen’s known involvement in charitable causes and see her trip as an extension of that commitment.

On the other hand, a significant number of observers view the visit through a political lens. For them, Queen Sofia’s presence in Melilla sends provocative signals, especially given the current fragility in Morocco-Spain diplomatic relations. Melilla, like Ceuta, remains a deeply sensitive issue, as Morocco considers these territories to be under foreign occupation. Any official or symbolic activity by Spanish figures in these cities tends to stir strong nationalist sentiments and is often interpreted as an assertion of Spanish sovereignty.

This controversy arises at a time when Rabat and Madrid are attempting to recalibrate their diplomatic ties following previous periods of tension over migration, territorial disputes, and regional influence. In this context, what may appear as a routine royal visit takes on broader implications, potentially straining the efforts toward mutual understanding and cooperation.

The visit underscores the persistent complexity surrounding the status of Melilla and the broader historical and political issues it embodies. While some see opportunities for cultural and humanitarian outreach, others warn against underestimating the symbolic weight of such acts in a region where identity, sovereignty, and diplomacy intersect in highly charged ways.

As Queen Sofia arrives in Melilla, all eyes will be on the broader message this visit conveys—not only to the people of the city but also to the policymakers in Rabat and Madrid. Whether it leads to a quiet humanitarian initiative or provokes a diplomatic reaction will depend greatly on the unfolding context and the interpretations of both governments.