Morocco Dismisses Claims of Involvement in Ceuta Migration Crisis
On September 10, 2026, Morocco's foreign ministry issued a firm statement rejecting any accusations of its involvement in the mass migration into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta that occurred in July. The ministry emphasized that there is no credible evidence linking Rabat to the events that saw over 70,000 individuals crossing into Ceuta, a situation that has sparked significant critique of both the Moroccan government and Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez. While many of those who crossed have since returned to Morocco, reports from non-governmental organizations indicate that more than 100 individuals lost their lives during the ordeal. Furthermore, local authorities in Ceuta have reported that thousands, including numerous unaccompanied minors, remain in the enclave, where they are living in precarious conditions such as makeshift camps or on the streets and beaches. This ongoing crisis has led to regular protests by residents who are dissatisfied with the Spanish government’s response.
In light of these developments, opposition parties in Spain have seized the opportunity to criticize Sanchez's administration, suggesting that the government has not adequately managed its relationship with Morocco and accusing Rabat of facilitating or orchestrating the illegal crossings. In its statement, the Moroccan foreign ministry posed pointed questions to the Spanish government: "Why continue to level accusations against Morocco when no evidence, facts, or reports establish any involvement on the part of Moroccan authorities?" They further questioned the failure to return illegal migrants despite Morocco’s official commitment to accept them back, as well as the separation of unaccompanied minors from their families, despite Morocco's urgent requests for their return.
Adding to the tension, reports from the Spanish government indicated that intelligence and security agencies had previously warned both Madrid and their Moroccan counterparts about the potential for a mass crossing, suggesting that the situation was anticipated and not a spontaneous event. The Moroccan ministry underscored its refusal to be used as a political tool in Spain's pre-election climate, asserting, "Morocco refuses to be used as a pre-election political pawn, nor does it accept being made the scapegoat in political score-settling," especially with national elections on the horizon in Spain set for mid-2027. The statement also highlighted the strengthened security, migration, and economic cooperation between Rabat and Madrid, particularly after Sanchez expressed support for Morocco's autonomy proposal for Western Sahara in 2022. It's important to note that Morocco does not recognize Spanish sovereignty over Ceuta or Melilla.
As reported by srnnews.com.
