In the wake of the recent migrant crisis that erupted in Ceuta, Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced the convening of the National Security Council to address the situation in the autonomous city. This announcement came nearly a month after an unprecedented influx of migrants, with approximately 72,000 individuals arriving from Morocco at the end of July. Ceuta, a Spanish autonomous city located in North Africa, is situated right at the border with Morocco, making it a critical point of entry for migrants seeking refuge in Europe.
Throughout August, Prime Minister Sánchez held two online conferences specifically focused on the migration crisis in Ceuta, which took place on August 7 and August 17. These discussions aimed to facilitate a coordinated response to the escalating situation. On August 24, the Minister of Economy, Carlos Cuerpo, announced the government's decision to establish a unified response center. This center is intended to streamline communication and efforts among various authorities as they work to manage the migrant crisis effectively.
During a press conference, Minister Cuerpo emphasized that the government would declare the situation in Ceuta a matter of national security and would implement a royal decree to establish a joint authority, pending confirmation from the Council of Ministers. He underlined the importance of strengthening coordination among all relevant governmental bodies, a step that had previously been advocated by local authorities in Ceuta.
This new governing body will be led by the Minister of Territorial Policy and Remembrance, Angel Victor Torres. Ceuta’s Mayor, Juan Jesus Vivas, will also be part of a special committee that includes representatives from the central government in Ceuta, the National Intelligence Center (CNI), and several other ministers. The Ministry of National Security will provide advisory support for this new structure.
Additionally, on the same day, the Ministry of Health announced that the Public Health Commission had approved the delivery of 45,000 vaccine doses to Ceuta, addressing the urgent need for preventive immunizations amid this crisis. The shipment comprises 15,000 doses of a combined vaccine against measles, mumps, and rubella, alongside 10,000 doses each of vaccines for diphtheria, tetanus, chickenpox, and polio. These vaccines are intended for both unvaccinated residents of Ceuta and the incoming migrants.
Last week, Rosa Fuentes, director of the Care Association of Ceuta, issued a warning regarding the worsening epidemiological situation in the community, which is exacerbated by the ongoing migrant crisis. The combination of health concerns and the influx of migrants necessitates a robust response to safeguard both the local population and newcomers alike.
As reported by vietnam.vn.
