Moroccan Authorities' Role in Ceuta's Invasion
The Civil Guard of Spain revealed in various reports regarding the invasion of Ceuta that Morocco had planned to bolster its border presence with an additional 1,000 gendarmes on the day that saw a massive influx of tens of thousands of individuals. Information from the Spanish Armed Institute acknowledged mere hours later the inaction of their Moroccan counterparts, noting that "given the idiosyncrasies of Morocco, it is difficult to believe that anything occurs without the knowledge, approval, or consent of the regime." This critical insight sheds light on the complexities surrounding the border tensions and the intricate relationship between the two countries.
One of the most significant reports released by the government of Pedro Sánchez was prepared by the Civil Guard's General Staff at noon on July 30. This timing was pivotal as the autonomous city was experiencing an overwhelming surge of people, prompting urgent requests for reinforcements due to the untenable situation. The report highlighted a noticeable passivity from Moroccan authorities, who were seemingly allowing individuals to approach the border. It indicated that, until the previous day, there had been a proactive approach and appropriate collaboration from Moroccan forces.
Intelligence Warnings and Migration Threats
On July 29, the National Intelligence Center (CNI) alerted the Government Delegation about a call to storm the border, underscoring the imminent threat. The most revealing data in the document analyzed the potential risk, stating, "As a consequence of the previous situation, there are currently thousands of North African candidates for irregular immigration in towns adjacent to Ceuta, such as Castillejos or Rincón, waiting for the right moment to attempt an entry by swimming." This analysis aligns with a recent surge in such crossings.
Furthermore, the report noted that, prior to July 30, the Moroccan security forces had detained a significant number of these candidates, relocating them to inland areas due to the heightened migratory pressure and social alarm in those localities. However, two groups on Facebook emerged, primarily consisting of Sub-Saharan candidates, encouraging attempts to breach the border on that day, believing it to be an opportune moment since Moroccan forces would be preoccupied with security during the Throne Day celebrations happening in Rincón and Tétouan.
Despite the anticipation of a possible increase in migratory pressure, the Moroccan government was expected to strengthen its deployment at the Ceuta border with approximately 1,000 military personnel and gendarmes starting on July 30. Nonetheless, the report noted a passive attitude from Moroccan forces on that day, corroborating the urgent plea from the Civil Guard for additional security measures in the area, observing groups of up to 6,000 candidates near Ceuta.
In parallel, the Civil Guard's Information Headquarters sent an initial draft document outlining their insights regarding the invasion of Ceuta and the information they had prior to the event. They indicated that the 30th was the day of the Throne Day, Morocco's principal civic and patriotic celebration, commemorating King Mohammed VI’s accession to the throne. The report also confirmed that Moroccan forces had reinforced their presence near the Ceuta border with around 1,000 military personnel and gendarmes, a figure that did not accurately reflect the situation on the ground.
The initial investigations suggested that it was difficult to conceive of events occurring in Morocco without the regime's knowledge or consent, especially when considering its interests and the potential impact on its social dynamics or international relations. Despite acknowledging the complexity of the situation, the Civil Guard eventually shifted their narrative, contemplating the possibility of external actors influencing the candidates or the complicity of Moroccan authorities as a reaction to recent political events, including discussions between the Spanish Prime Minister and Algeria.
As reported by abc.es.
