Morocco’s Foreign Ministry says there is no evidence that Moroccan authorities were involved in the mass crossing into Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta on July 30 and 31. More than 70,000 migrants entered from nearby Morocco during the unprecedented surge.
The crossing left more than 100 people dead, according to local officials and civil organisations, while thousands, including unaccompanied minors, remain in Ceuta. Most migrants have since returned, but the crisis has triggered protests and political conflict in Spain.
What Morocco is arguing
The ministry said Thursday that accusations against Rabat were not supported by evidence, facts or reports. It also questioned why migrants were not being returned despite what it described as Morocco’s official commitment to readmit them, and why unaccompanied minors were being kept from their families after Morocco requested their return.
Morocco said it would not be used as a “pre-election political pawn” or made a “scapegoat in political score-settling”. Spain is due to hold national elections by mid-2027.
What the declassified intelligence said
Spain declassified intelligence reports on Wednesday that had warned of possible mass entries into Ceuta shortly before the crossing. A military intelligence document dated July 30 said it was “highly likely” Moroccan authorities were not actively encouraging the migratory wave, but had acted negligently and passively so far. Read the context: Spain Mobilizes Resources After 19 Migrants Die Crossing from Morocco to Ceuta.
Why the crisis has become a political dispute
Local authorities say thousands of people are still living in makeshift camps, on streets or on beaches in the enclave. Their presence has fuelled near-daily protests by residents who are angry about the Spanish government’s handling of the crisis.
Spain’s opposition parties have targeted the government’s relationship with Morocco and accused Rabat of facilitating or orchestrating the crossing. The dispute also puts pressure on ties that Morocco’s Foreign Ministry described as close in security, migration and economic affairs, following Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s backing for Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara in 2022.
Morocco does not recognise Spanish sovereignty over Ceuta or Melilla, the other Spanish autonomous enclave bordering Morocco.
No comments yet. Start the discussion.