A Moroccan government source said on Monday that the Kingdom is "neither Europe's policeman nor its border guard," arguing that the recent migration crisis in Ceuta highlights the need to redefine Morocco's partnership with the European Union on migration management.
Speaking in Rabat, the source said Morocco acts as "a sovereign partner, not a subcontractor" in addressing migration challenges, questioning whether the current framework of cooperation remains suitable in light of changing regional realities.
"We are neither Europe's policeman nor its border guard. We are a sovereign partner, not a subcontractor," the source said, according to the state-run Maghreb Arab Press (MAP).
The source criticized attempts to exploit the Ceuta events for domestic political gain, saying it was "disappointing" that the migration crisis had been used for electoral purposes and political score-settling.
According to the source, the crisis was accompanied by exaggerated media coverage and inflammatory political rhetoric, while some political actors failed to rise to what was described as a "historic moment."
The government source argued that recent developments had exposed a lack of strategic vision among some partners and demonstrated the need to rethink the rules governing migration cooperation.
"One conclusion is now clear: the rules of engagement must change," the source said, stressing that "Morocco protects its own territory, and no one does that on its behalf."
The official emphasized that migration cooperation cannot function as a one-way relationship, insisting that all parties must assume their responsibilities.
"Morocco is not Europe's policeman or border guard. We act as a reliable and committed partner within a clearly defined partnership, which cannot be one-sided," the source said.
The source called for renewed political commitment, greater clarity, stronger mutual trust, and a revised framework for cooperation between Morocco and its European partners.
The government source also argued that financial support alone is insufficient to address migration challenges, insisting that Morocco's efforts have never been driven solely by funding.
Reiterating Rabat's long-standing position, the source said there is "no purely security-based solution" to irregular migration, pointing instead to the importance of economic and social development.
As evidence, the source highlighted the large-scale voluntary return of migrants from Ceuta to Morocco following the recent crisis.
According to the source, Spain has confirmed that 95% of those who entered Ceuta have since left, arguing that these returns were voluntary rather than the result of Spanish intervention.
The source attributed this trend to Morocco's development policies under King Mohammed VI, particularly in the country's northern provinces, where major investment projects have created more than 430,000 jobs.
"The 'promised paradise' turned out to be an illusion that our young people dismantled themselves through their voluntary return. The best response to irregular migration is development," the source said.
The government source concluded by urging Europe to become a genuine partner in Morocco's development and to avoid adopting policies that undermine the Kingdom's economic growth, including measures affecting Moroccan ports, the automotive industry, financial services, transport, and the outsourcing sector.
