Understanding the Migratory Crisis in Ceuta
In recent discussions surrounding the global migratory crisis, one voice stands out prominently in Spanish media: Jorge Dezcallar, a distinguished diplomat born in Palma de Mallorca in 1945. With an extensive and esteemed career, Dezcallar has served as Spain's ambassador to Morocco, the Vatican, and the United States, and he held the position of director of Spain's intelligence services from 2001 to 2004. He emphasizes that without decisive measures, the severe incidents witnessed in Ceuta could very well recur.
Dezcallar has described the events in Ceuta not merely as a migratory crisis but as an "assault," highlighting the sheer scale of 72,000 individuals attempting to enter the Spanish enclave, which he argues transcends the definition of a simple migration issue. He points out that such a mass of people had to overcome significant physical barriers, including the sea and border fences, a sentiment echoed by President Pedro Sánchez who characterized the situation as a violation of Spain's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Dezcallar firmly agrees with this assessment, underlining the seriousness of the situation.
When prompted about the responsibility for the crisis, Dezcallar refutes Interior Minister Fernando Grande Marlaska's assertion that not all incidents have clear accountability. He emphasizes that while 12,000 Moroccan nationals entered Ceuta in 2021, the dramatic increase to 72,000 in the current situation indicates a failure of intelligence and preparedness. He suggests that while one failure can be overlooked, a second is unacceptable.
Political Dynamics and Future Implications
As a former head of the National Intelligence Center (CNI), Dezcallar questions whether there was indeed an intelligence failure that led to this mass influx. He notes the conflicting reports regarding the CNI's awareness of the situation, with the Minister of Defense praising their work while the Interior Minister claims a lack of communication. He anticipates that an ongoing judicial investigation will eventually clarify the circumstances surrounding the crisis.
Dezcallar criticizes the response of Sánchez's government as "weak," suggesting that the administration had ample time since the 2021 events to prepare a more robust strategy. He warns that without significant changes, similar incidents will continue to occur whenever it benefits Morocco. He also finds it inappropriate to praise Morocco's cooperation on migration issues given the current circumstances.
Highlighting the complex nature of Spain's relationship with Morocco, Dezcallar expresses concern that Spain relies too heavily on Rabat for border management, pointing out that Morocco has shown itself to be an unreliable neighbor. He questions the plausibility that Moroccan authorities were unaware of the mass movement of individuals towards Ceuta during a royal celebration, suggesting that the security surrounding the Moroccan king would make it nearly impossible for such an event to go unnoticed.
Moreover, Dezcallar asserts that Spain has considerable leverage over Morocco, given that a significant portion of Morocco's GDP relies on remittances from its immigrants in Spain. He emphasizes that Spain is Morocco's primary trading partner and a crucial investor, which should provide Spain with various diplomatic tools that are currently underutilized.
On the topic of the ongoing migratory crisis, Dezcallar acknowledges that the underlying ambitions of Morocco regarding Ceuta and Melilla contribute to the tensions. He notes that the disparity in GDP per capita between Spain and Morocco—39,000 euros compared to 4,700 euros—will not diminish in the near future, further complicating the situation.
As Europe grapples with rising populism and anti-immigrant sentiment, Dezcallar warns that Spain risks isolation within the EU regarding migration policy. He highlights that Spain's approach to mass regularization of immigrants has not been well received by other EU nations, leading to dissent among member states. The recent letter signed by 22 of the 27 EU countries indicates a significant disconnect that could jeopardize Spain's future support from its partners.
In conclusion, Dezcallar stresses the necessity of a coherent and unified European migration policy to ensure social stability and uphold the principles of the Schengen area. He argues that while there may be differing national sensitivities, it is essential for EU countries to engage in constructive dialogue to find mutually beneficial solutions. He believes that the potential for immigration to be used as a political leverage by Morocco is evident, which reinforces the need for immediate and serious measures to address these challenges moving forward.
As reported by lanacion.com.ar.
