Moroccan authorities raised concerns with Spain prior to Ceuta influx
A senior Moroccan official confirmed that Rabat had previously alerted Madrid to the potential migration challenges stemming from a recent Spanish court decision, rejecting any suggestion of a security lapse on Morocco’s part.
Unprecedented migration wave overwhelms Ceuta
In the past days, nearly 60,000 individuals, predominantly Moroccan nationals, crossed or attempted to cross into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta on foot or by swimming from the nearby town of Fnideq. This extraordinary surge overwhelmed Ceuta’s capacity, prompting thousands to return to Morocco shortly after.
Spanish court ruling cited as key factor in migration surge
The Moroccan official, speaking anonymously to media on Monday evening, emphasized that the crisis was directly linked to a Spanish Supreme Court ruling stating that immediate deportation would not apply to migrants arriving by sea.
«We explained that this ruling would create a problem. And it did,» the official stated.
Spanish government blames human trafficking networks
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez attributed the unfolding crisis in Ceuta to a rumor circulated by «human trafficking mafias,» claiming they had misinterpreted the court decision.
The Moroccan source noted that discussions with Spain began around July 22-23, as networks started circulating information about the ruling.
Morocco denies security failures
The official firmly denied any breakdown in Morocco’s security apparatus, asserting that «it is reductive to suggest Morocco should have simply used force to stop them. This ignores the nature of the phenomenon.»
«Border forces cannot confront such numbers,» he added, stressing that migration management is not Morocco’s sole responsibility. He highlighted the kingdom’s annual expenditure of approximately €500 million on migration control.
Ongoing cooperation between Morocco and Spain
Despite the crisis, the official praised the «reliable partnership» and «flawless coordination» between Rabat and Madrid on migration issues.
«Today, it is Spain’s turn to address the challenges posed by this ruling,» he concluded.
