Morocco's Plea for Repatriation of Migrants

In a significant development, Moroccan Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi has formally requested Spain to repatriate both the surviving migrants and the deceased individuals who tragically drowned during their perilous attempt to cross the Tarajal strait towards the autonomous city of Ceuta on July 30. This request follows a humanitarian crisis that has unfolded in Ceuta, where over 70,000 migrants made a desperate bid to reach Spanish shores. The situation has resulted in a dire humanitarian, health, and security crisis, despite the increased police presence and border enforcement measures imposed by Moroccan authorities to curb further crossings.

Ouahbi expressed his concerns regarding the deceased, stating that Spain has not provided information about the number of bodies recovered. He emphasized the difficulties in identifying the deceased, noting, "We do not have the medical histories nor access to identify these bodies. We cannot hand over the bodies without knowing who these individuals are." This highlights the complexities involved in managing the aftermath of such tragedies and emphasizes the need for collaboration between nations to address migration-related issues.

Efforts for Comprehensive Migration Management

The Moroccan minister's appeal extends beyond simple repatriation; he has called for the establishment of a formal agreement with Spain to facilitate the repatriation process. Ouahbi indicated that Morocco is prepared to send buses to collect the survivors who reached Ceuta. He challenged the rationale behind the current division between the living and the deceased, stating, "We want them all. Why this division? It is illogical to only be asked to accept the deceased." His comments underscore the urgency for a comprehensive approach to migration that considers all aspects of the humanitarian crisis, advocating for a more humane treatment of migrants.

As of August 21, 2026, a total of 18 migrants have been buried in the Muslim cemetery of Ceuta, with their graves marked numerically to assist in identifying the remains. These individuals are part of a total of 82 victims whose bodies were discovered by Spanish authorities at the end of July. Efforts to identify the victims continue, albeit at a slow pace, reflecting the significant challenges faced in the aftermath of this crisis.

As reported by orain.eus.