On Saturday, local officials in Laayoune barred entry to three Spanish individuals at Hassan I Airport as it became evident they had intentions of promoting the separatist movement associated with the Polisario Front, according to reports.
The people involved included attorneys María Dolores and Flora Ramos, along with politician Silvestre Manuel Suárez.
The source further mentioned that they were deported via the same flight they had used to arrive at Hassan I Airport from Las Palmas.
The source added that this choice is consistent with Morocco's strong position against using either professional or political affiliations to advance objectives that go against the country's national sovereignty.
The most recent event has occurred against the backdrop of heightened attempts by European officials and advocates to access Morocco’s Western Sahara region over the past few months, sparking worries regarding their intentions. In February, Moroccan authorities removed four Members of the European Parliament along with two assistants when they attempted to go to Laayoune without proper permission. The trip was labeled as "provocative" and seen as an effort aimed at advancing secessionism.
These developments align with an increasing diplomatic realignment in Europe, where key nations such as France and Spain have endorsed Morocco's autonomy plan for the Sahara. This endorsement indicates a waning sway of both the Polisario and Algeria.
These trips are seen by experts as a response to that change, intended to rejuvenate European backing for the Polisario, especially within unofficial circles.
The Moroccan Foreign Minister, Nasser Bourita, formerly disregarded a comparable effort by European Parliament members in February, calling it a "disruptive maneuver with no effect." He stressed that every visit to Morocco needs to adhere to transparent regulatory protocols, much like they would in any other nation.
This mirrored Morocco's reaction in 2013 when it prevented European Members of Parliament from accessing the Sahara region, referencing an established regulatory structure between itself and the European Union that governs such entries.
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