Spanish´s land borders in Melilla: Delimitation, border fences and “no man´s land”

Abstract

The current boundaries of the city of Melilla were agreed through a serie of Treaties in the XIXth Century between Spain and Morocco. Several issues arose regarding the border delimitation. Thus, the established Neutral Zone had never been respected, and several demarcations attempts were made. Also, the legal and political analysis of Border Crossing Points, and the current system of fencing are of special interest. The latter seems to represent currently the border line between the two countries, with a clear acceptance by Spain of Morocco´s de facto jurisdiction over a territory of Spanish sovereignty based on the boundaries of the XIXth Century. The situation presents a great complexity for the determination the actual limitis of the city of Melilla and of Spain.