Morocco Responds to Social Media Calls for Mass Migration to Ceuta

Rabat (AFP) – On Wednesday, the Moroccan Ministry of Interior announced that it has enacted all necessary measures to counter new attempts at illegal crossings into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, following social media postings that incited such actions. The ministry's spokesperson, Rashid Khalfi, stated that recent days have seen the circulation of anonymous messages on various social media platforms urging the organization of mass illegal crossings into the cities of Ceuta and Melilla on August 15.

These postings falsely claimed that the border would be 'open' on that date, coinciding with a public holiday in Spain. Khalfi reassured the public that the ministry is closely monitoring the situation and has taken all essential steps to thwart any attempts at illegal crossings, as well as to apprehend individuals attempting to participate in these actions.

He also indicated that several individuals suspected of engaging in incitement have been detained and are currently under judicial investigation with the oversight of the public prosecutor's office. This announcement comes just two weeks after a massive influx of migrants from various Moroccan cities to the Spanish enclave, where approximately 72,000 people successfully entered before most returned home, according to Spanish authorities.

This crisis, the most severe of its kind, has reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 80 individuals according to Spanish sources, while Moroccan authorities have reported 11 fatalities. However, Moroccan human rights organizations estimated on Friday that the number of victims could be as high as 141.

Additionally, the Moroccan Interior Ministry spokesperson urged Spanish authorities to 'take responsibility and expedite the repatriation of unaccompanied minors currently in Ceuta back to their families in Morocco.' He called for efforts to overcome 'administrative and judicial obstacles that hinder their return as soon as possible,' although he did not provide specific numbers regarding the minors involved.

Spanish Youth and Childhood Minister, Sira Rego, stated on Friday that 1,342 unaccompanied minors have been registered in Ceuta following the mass influx from Morocco. Relief organizations have warned that many of these minors, who are sleeping outdoors, are at significant risk of abuse and exploitation.

As reported by mc-doualiya.com.