Over a month after the influx of migrants into Ceuta on July 30 and 31, Morocco has responded for the first time to allegations of its involvement in what has been termed a hybrid operation. Following multiple testimonies and a Spanish police report that raised suspicions, Moroccan officials have firmly stated that "no data, facts, or reports establish any implication of Moroccan authorities," shifting the blame onto "Spanish actors." This statement, made on September 10, marks the first public reaction from Rabat since the events unfolded at the end of July.
During this tumultuous period, more than 70,000 migrants forcefully entered Ceuta, an enclave of Spain located at the northern tip of Morocco. Alongside Melilla, Ceuta is one of only two territories in the European Union that shares a land border with Africa. The chaotic influx led to numerous fatalities and missing persons, highlighting the severe dangers faced by those attempting to cross the border.
In its official communication, the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that there is no substantiated evidence linking the kingdom to the migrant surge. They stated, "The Kingdom of Morocco refuses to be a scapegoat for political vendettas and will not tolerate being used as a pawn in pre-electoral maneuverings." The ministry's comments come amid growing suspicions regarding Morocco's potential responsibility, especially following the leak of a police report suggesting a lack of action from Moroccan security forces during this unprecedented crisis.
Unraveling the Migrant Situation
While most individuals who crossed the border have since returned, several thousand remain in the enclave, with estimates ranging from 5,000, according to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, to at least 10,000 as reported by local authorities in Ceuta. Many of these individuals are sleeping on the streets or beaches, a dire situation that calls for immediate attention and action.
Prime Minister Sanchez has repeatedly asserted that there is "no evidence" of Morocco orchestrating the migrant arrivals, a statement that has drawn criticism from various members of the Spanish opposition. The role of Morocco in this crisis has also been scrutinized by Spanish intelligence agencies, which declassified several reports warning of the potential for "mass influxes" of migrants, predominantly young Moroccans. One report, released by military intelligence on July 30, indicated that while it was "highly probable that Moroccan authorities were not actively encouraging the migratory wave, they had acted with negligence and passivity so far."
Calls for Accountability and Cooperation
The Moroccan Ministry has voiced concerns about what it perceives as an indictment against the country, urging Spanish authorities to address their management of the crisis. Questions were raised regarding why illegal migrants were not being turned back, despite Morocco's official commitment to readmit them. Furthermore, the ministry inquired why unaccompanied minors were kept away from their families when Morocco has urgently requested their return.
Rabat has deemed the situation regrettable, insisting that a thorough examination is necessary to understand the circumstances, identify interferences, and expose manipulations to ensure such events do not recur. The Moroccan government has also underscored the importance of its relationship with Spain, asserting that Morocco seeks to engage with its neighbor in a spirit of geographical proximity, political understanding, economic partnership, and security cooperation.
As reported by infomigrants.net.
