Spanish Government Mobilizes Military Forces in Ceuta
The Spanish government has announced the deployment of soldiers to ensure security in the enclave of Ceuta, located along the northern coast of Africa. This decision follows the arrival of hundreds of migrants from Morocco, with reports indicating that nine individuals tragically lost their lives during these crossings. On July 30, the Ministry of the Interior confirmed its commitment to send reinforcements to the region. The statement emphasized that the armed forces would support the Civil Guard in fulfilling its responsibilities and any additional duties deemed necessary to maintain security within Ceuta.
On Thursday evening, a significant influx of individuals was observed as hundreds converged towards the town of Fnideq in northern Morocco, spurred by rumors suggesting that the border of the Spanish enclave would open. Earlier that day, numerous migrants, predominantly young men and adolescents, reached Ceuta, some of whom swam across the treacherous waters from Morocco. Footage captured by an AFP journalist depicted the challenging conditions faced by these individuals, with many entering through a border post situated in the southern part of the 18.5 square kilometer territory. This surge represents the largest migrant arrival since 2021 when over 10,000 individuals crossed the border in just two days to reach Ceuta.
Italy Proposes Suspension of Spain from Schengen Area
In light of the escalating crisis, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has expressed intentions to suspend Spain from the Schengen Area, citing the alarming images emerging from Ceuta. She stated that her government is convening relevant authorities and is prepared to take exceptional measures, including the aforementioned suspension of the Schengen agreement with Spain. Meloni criticized the Spanish government's decision to grant citizenship to over 500,000 irregular migrants, suggesting it contributes to human trafficking. In response, Spanish Foreign Minister José Luis Albares denounced Italy's rhetoric as demagogic, emphasizing that it is inappropriate for a partner nation expected to demonstrate European solidarity. Albares announced plans to summon the Italian ambassador in Madrid for discussions.
In the midst of the crisis, the President of Ceuta, Juan Vivas, reported that over 1,500 migrants had arrived in recent days, averaging about 200 individuals daily. He described the situation in reception centers as an 'absolute emergency,' grappling with overwhelming numbers. A local resident, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed deep concern for the suffering of those involved, lamenting the unknown number of individuals who may have drowned during their perilous journey.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez communicated via social media that his government is mobilizing all necessary resources to address the immediate situation in Ceuta. Additionally, Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska announced plans to visit the city to assess the ongoing developments and meet with local authorities. He praised the exemplary cooperation with Morocco, stating that both nations would implement measures to facilitate the transfer of individuals who entered Ceuta illegally back to Morocco as soon as possible. The opposition party leader, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, criticized the government, branding the situation as 'desperate' and a 'national security crisis.'
Ceuta, alongside the Spanish enclave of Melilla located nearly 400 kilometers to the east, represents the only land borders of the European Union on the African continent. The situation remains precarious, with no comments yet received from Moroccan authorities regarding these events. The crisis echoes a similar occurrence in 2021, when over 10,000 migrants reached Ceuta due to a relaxation in border controls amidst diplomatic tensions between Spain and Morocco over the treatment of Western Sahara independence leaders.
As reported by france24.com.
