In the wake of a significant surge of nearly 80,000 migrants crossing from Morocco to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta within a mere two days, Moroccan authorities have taken decisive steps to prevent any potential new influx. This announcement comes less than two weeks after this unprecedented migration event and follows alarming calls on social media platforms advocating for another mass crossing on August 15. In response to these developments, the Moroccan government has implemented 'necessary measures' to thwart any attempts at illegal border crossings.
On Wednesday, August 12, the Moroccan Interior Ministry publicly declared its commitment to combat any new migrant waves heading towards Ceuta by monitoring social media for misleading information that has been circulating. These misleading posts erroneously claimed that the border crossing between the Moroccan city of Fnideq and the Spanish enclave of Ceuta would be officially opened on August 15, inciting individuals to attempt illegal crossings. The ministry reported that around 70,000 of the migrants who recently crossed into Ceuta have already been returned to Morocco, according to the Spanish Interior Ministry.
This migration crisis has led to significant loss of life, with Spanish sources reporting at least 80 fatalities, while Moroccan authorities cite 11 deaths. However, Moroccan human rights organizations estimate that the true number of victims could be as high as 141. In light of this situation, Rashid Khalqi, the spokesperson for the Moroccan Interior Ministry, emphasized that all necessary actions have been taken to prevent any unlawful crossings and to apprehend individuals attempting to participate in such activities.
Furthermore, the ministry has identified the dissemination of anonymous posts on certain social media platforms that incite illegal collective crossings towards Ceuta and Melilla, another Spanish enclave located 400 kilometers to the east. Among these posts is a visual design purporting to be a false statement from the Spanish government, claiming that border crossings would be open on August 15 from 10 AM to 11 PM.
In the comments section of these posts, individuals have expressed hope for a successful crossing attempt, with some sharing their contact information and others promoting WhatsApp group links aimed at coordinating efforts. One young woman in a group remarked, 'May God be with us,' while another predicted, 'I will work for two years in Spain.' Additionally, videos showcasing 'best swimming routes' to reach Ceuta while avoiding security patrols have been circulated widely.
In response to these troubling developments, authorities have pledged to initiate legal actions against those promoting these calls for mass crossings. A group of individuals suspected of involvement in this activity has reportedly been detained for investigation, as confirmed by Rashid Khalqi in a statement to the Moroccan News Agency (MAP). On the Spanish side, security measures at the border have been significantly intensified. According to Radio France Internationale (RFI), security reinforcements have been deployed in Fnideq and near the Ceuta border crossing in anticipation of potential new crossing attempts, a fact corroborated by the Moroccan Association for Human Rights in Tetouan.
Despite the majority of Moroccan migrants who entered Ceuta in late July being returned to their home country, between 8,000 and 11,000 undocumented migrants are still believed to remain in Ceuta, as stated by the President of the Ceuta government, Juan Jesús Vivas. On the 'Trampoline' beach in Ceuta, hundreds of migrants have been enduring dire conditions for more than a week while awaiting decisions about their fate. Meanwhile, the Migrant Reception Center (CETI) is currently overwhelmed and unable to accommodate new arrivals.
As reported by infomigrants.net.
