Ceuta or Sebta: A City of Dual Names and Disputed Sovereignty

The visit of King Felipe VI to Ceuta and Melilla reignites discussions around their contested status and the enduring territorial debate between Spain and Morocco.

By Amara Diallo — The Storyteller · October 12, 2026 at 12:14 a.m.

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Illustrative photo · Saeima / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0

In the early morning light, the sea breeze gently swept through the streets of Ceuta, as residents gathered for an occasion both significant and symbolic. The visit of King Felipe VI to this autonomous city perched on the northern tip of Africa was more than a routine royal appearance; it was his first since ascending the throne, marking a renewed focus on the delicate issue of sovereignty that has long underscored Spain's relationship with Morocco.

Ceuta, known as Sebta in Arabic, is one of two Spanish enclaves on the African continent, the other being Melilla. Both cities share a unique geopolitical status, lying on the Moroccan coast yet firmly under Spanish governance. The presence of the king in these regions brings into sharp relief the historical and ongoing territorial dispute that has pitted Spain against its North African neighbor, Morocco, for decades.

According to Al Jazeera, King Felipe VI’s visit has placed the spotlight back on the complex and often contentious relationship between these two nations. The dual names of the city—Ceuta to Spaniards and Sebta to Moroccans—reflect the linguistic and cultural intersections that characterize this area, as well as the diplomatic sensitivities surrounding its governance. As discussions about their status resurface, the visit serves as a reminder of the unresolved issues of sovereignty that continue to linger, challenging both political and cultural identities.

Ceuta or Sebta: A City of Dual Names and Disputed Sovereignty

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