The Spanish intelligence agency CNI alerted authorities in Ceuta a day prior to the mass arrival of migrants, warning of a potential "land and sea assault" on the Spanish enclave in North Africa. This information emerged from classified documents released by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's government in Madrid, as reported by Deutsche Welle.
According to these documents, the National Intelligence Center (CNI) informed the government office in Ceuta and the Guardia Civil on July 29 about social media calls to cross the border the following day. The two groups involved on social media had amassed around 180,000 followers. The intelligence reports also indicated plans for attempts to reach Ceuta by swimming and over the border fence, with Moroccan authorities also being informed of these developments.
Thousands of Migrants Still in Ceuta
Reports from the Spanish government indicate that up to 80,000 migrants arrived in Ceuta from Morocco on July 30 and 31. While most subsequently returned to Morocco, thousands remain in the Spanish enclave. The government released approximately 40 documents created between July 1 and August 1 to demonstrate that they were not forewarned about the scale of the migrant influx. They stated that while the social media calls were noted, they did not indicate the extent, manner, or likelihood of what transpired next and could not be interpreted as such.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez emphasized that based on the information available at the time, no one could have predicted the refugee crisis that occurred on July 30 and 31. He asserted that this was not foreseen by any competent authority, whether in Spain or the EU, as he stated on the news portal X.
Questions Surrounding Morocco's Role
Simultaneously, Sánchez clarified that he possesses no documents providing substantial evidence that Morocco planned or instigated the incident. Doubts regarding Morocco's involvement were further fueled by a police report that leaked last week, criticizing the "leniency" of Moroccan security forces during the migration crisis, suggesting they made no serious attempts to reduce, disperse, or remove the crowds at the border.
In the aftermath, speculation arose that Morocco might have deliberately overlooked the migrants, possibly influenced by Sánchez's visit to Algeria in July. The long-standing dispute between Morocco and Algeria over Western Sahara complicates matters, particularly after Spain shifted its long-standing neutrality, endorsing Morocco’s stance on the issue in 2022. Analysts suggest Sánchez's recent visit to Algeria may have triggered dissatisfaction in Rabat.
The Spanish opposition is now criticizing the government for failing to act despite the warnings and for seemingly absolving Morocco of any responsibility beforehand. Esther Muñoz from the conservative People's Party (PP) stated, "The government was aware of everything." She accused Sánchez's administration of having the necessary information and of bearing direct responsibility for the influx of migrants into Ceuta.
This criticism is compounded by mounting pressure from the public, with mass protests occurring throughout Spain on September 2, Ceuta Day, in support of the enclave and against the government's migration policies. According to central authorities, around 50,000 people gathered in Madrid alone.
In response to the crisis, the European Union approved emergency aid of €114.7 million for Spain on September 9. The European Commission announced that these funds would be utilized to strengthen border controls, facilitate the return of illegal migrants, and expand reception capacities in Ceuta. Furthermore, Frontex, Europol, and the EU Asylum Agency are expected to enhance support for local authorities.
Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares welcomed Brussels' decision, noting that this could only be a first step. He cautioned that the migration pressure stemming from the significant income and education disparities between Africa and Europe is likely to remain high in the future. Juan Jesus Vivas, the President of Ceuta, echoed similar sentiments, urging the EU to assist the enclave in managing the crisis. He described Ceuta as a pressure cooker on the brink of explosion, calling for improved border security, infrastructure investments, and additional financial aid to address what he termed a "humanitarian catastrophe."
As reported by vreme.com.
