Ceuta Faces Migrant Crisis: 15,000 Still Present
In a pressing update from Ceuta, a Spanish-occupied enclave near Morocco, President Juan Jesús Vivas has revealed that approximately 15,000 migrants continue to reside in the territory nearly three months after a significant influx on July 30 and 31. During a recent press conference, Vivas, representing Spain's conservative People’s Party (PP), criticized the Spanish government's handling of the situation, arguing that Ceuta has yet to return to normalcy. His assessment was based on a notable 20% increase in water consumption in September compared to the same month last year, indicating a growing strain on local resources.
Vivas highlighted that the departures of migrants thus far have primarily occurred either through voluntary returns or due to criminal cases, rather than through official administrative procedures for returning to Morocco. He expressed concern that the Spanish government has allowed the situation to worsen, leading to increased pressure on local services that are struggling to cope with the ongoing challenges.
Increased Strain on Local Services and Economy
The Ceuta President articulated the mounting pressures on various public services, including emergency response and healthcare facilities. He cited alarming statistics indicating that calls to the 112 emergency service for incidents such as assaults, fights, and home invasions surged by 184% over the past month. Additionally, there was a staggering 503% rise in incidents reported at the port and a 60% increase in overall crime rates, according to data from the Superior Court of Justice of Andalusia.
Moreover, Vivas pointed out a 400% increase in visits to local hospital emergency departments and a shocking 669% rise in illegal construction activities. He emphasized that the current situation is far from normal, warning that the local capacity to manage these challenges is weakening daily, leading to an unsustainable environment for the residents of Ceuta.
As part of his appeal for assistance, Vivas has urged the Spanish government to facilitate the return of approximately 3,300 unaccompanied migrant minors currently in Ceuta's care. He expressed frustration that only 160 cases have been processed thus far, while the number of minors could potentially reach 4,000. This crisis not only burdens Ceuta's reception facilities but also places additional strain on Spain's broader child protection system.
Vivas called for the Spanish government to allocate more personnel and resources to expedite the processing of these cases and to seek Morocco’s cooperation, with the potential support of the European Union. His criticisms come in the wake of Spain's acknowledgment of Morocco's collaborative efforts during the July crisis, with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez previously expressing gratitude for Morocco's willingness to assist in managing migration issues.
In light of this ongoing situation, Morocco has also urged Spain to return Moroccan minors currently in its custody. Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi has asserted that Rabat will pursue the matter through legal and diplomatic channels, emphasizing the need to reunite these children with their families back in Morocco.
As reported by moroccoworldnews.com.
