Spain cancels centenary festivities for Al Hoceima invasion to maintain Morocco ties

Wednesday 12 March 2025 - 10:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Spain cancels centenary festivities for Al Hoceima invasion to maintain Morocco ties

In a strategic diplomatic move, Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles has ordered the cancellation of military ceremonies intended to commemorate the centenary of the 1925 Alhucemas Landing. This decision underscores Spain's commitment to preserving its diplomatic relations with Morocco.

Initial plans included an elaborate celebration of what Spain considers a significant military achievement. However, these plans were abruptly halted following ministerial intervention, as reported by El Confidencial Digital. The military operation that the centenary would have marked was a pivotal moment in Spanish colonial history, as it signaled Spain's return to the Rif region after suffering defeat at the Battle of Anoual in 1921.

In 1925, Spanish and French forces launched a substantial offensive against Moroccan resistance fighters, led by Abdelkrim el-Khattabi, in an effort to suppress the Rif movement. The operation involved approximately 13,000 Spanish troops, supported by 160 aircraft and naval power, against 9,000 defenders.

Military sources indicated that the order to cancel the commemorative events aimed to prevent any potential diplomatic rifts with Morocco. The Spanish Army had previously earmarked funds for various celebrations, which were described as the first major joint military operation involving the army, navy, and air force.

General José Agustín Carreras, head of the Alfonso XIII Brigade II of the Legion, had previously expressed that the centenary would be a significant event for 2025. However, the army's response regarding the commemorations was notably succinct, emphasizing that the Alhucemas Landing does not constitute a specific anniversary for the army.

In lieu of the planned celebrations, the State Major of Defense (EMAD) has opted to produce a monograph on the landing instead. Furthermore, the Spanish Institute of Military History has shifted its focus to the Fifth Centenary of the Battle of Pavia in 1525, sidelining the Alhucemas anniversary.

The historical context of the operation involves territories that Morocco regards as integral to its national sovereignty, such as the Al Hoceima rock and surrounding islands, which have remained under Spanish control since the 16th century. The ongoing disputes over these regions reflect Morocco's broader efforts toward territorial integrity and decolonization.

Previous commemorations of the Alhucemas Landing have seen only minimal recognition. For instance, the Ceuta Sea Company acknowledged their role in the landing in 2020, and Melilla's Regular Forces Group 52 celebrated its creation in 2023.

This recent decision highlights Spain’s cautious diplomatic stance towards Morocco, especially in light of past tensions. A notable crisis arose in May 2021 when Spain secretly facilitated medical treatment for Polisario Front leader Brahim Ghali, an action that severely strained relations. However, bilateral ties have since improved, particularly following Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's endorsement of Morocco's autonomy proposal for Western Sahara in March 2022.