The focus this month was to complete the reports from the IBRG MOMEX-24 trip to the Spanish exclave of Melilla and its borders with Morocco. We travelled along the whole border from the NW to the SE, The fence is approximately 11 km long. The triple fence was doubled in height in 2005 to 6m. It has watch towers, access roads, and a range of surveillance equipment. On the Moroccan side of the border, there are a further 2 fences, set back from the border and earthworks and ditches to prevent access. The Spanish side have mobile patrols whereas the Moroccan side have fixed observation points. The 4 border crossings are reported separately, they are the crossings to Mariguari , Farhana, Barrio Chino and Beni Ansar (north to south). Only the last one is open.

Please click on the images below or the red text to access the full visit reports, with photos maps and analysis.

New Pages

6 new pages this month focusing on the Spanish exclave of Melilla, its borders and crossing points as well as the summary report of IBRG MOMEX-24.

• 1) Melilla is an autonomous city of Spain on the North African coast. Spending a few days in the exclave allowed an in depth focus on the city, with a focus on its sights, architecture and of course the border fence and crossings, both open and closed. Details here.
• 2) The crossing to Mariguari is the most northern one. Closed since 2019 and designed for pedestrians only. Easy to access as just off the main Spanish road that runs adjacent to the border. Details here.
• 3) The crossing to Farhana is a modern one, with up to date facilities, designed for both pedestrians and vehicles it has been closed since 2019. Details here.
• 4) The crossing Barrio Chino is a sensitive area given the events that occurred at this point in June 2022 when 23 people died. We were challenged by law enforcement on both sides of the border. Details here.
• 5) The crossing Beni Ansar, is the only open one and we used it twice when travelling into and out of Nador. Separate pedestrian and vehicle crossings. Renovation is occurring on the Spanish side. Details here.
• 6) The summary report of MOMEX-24 which pulls together the visits to the 2 eastern Spanish possessions and the Morocco – Algeria border with the 4 identified PO1’s. Uncharted territory. Details here.

Updated Pages

2 amended pages this month.

• 1) Additional photos and links added to the Morocco country page. Details here
• 2) Additional photos and links added to the Spain country page. Details here.