In the ongoing crisis at Spain’s border with Morocco, the death toll has climbed to 67 as tens of thousands of migrants surged into the small enclave of Ceuta in North Africa.
Amid the turmoil, tragic incidents such as drownings and a fatal stampede occurred. Responding to the situation, Spain revealed plans to erect a 500-meter barrier along the sea border separating its territory from Morocco, following a breach by as many as 60,000 migrants earlier in the week.
In a recent ruling, Spain’s Supreme Court decided that migrants arriving by sea in Ceuta cannot be immediately deported. Some exhausted migrants who managed to swim to Ceuta’s Tarajal beach were turned back by soldiers.
The Spanish interior ministry reported that the majority of those who entered Ceuta have already returned to Morocco, stating that 53,000 out of the 60,000 who crossed have gone back. Speaking in Ceuta, Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska emphasized the government’s commitment to upholding the law.
Addressing concerns about the breach of the border and potential threats from Morocco, Marlaska defended the government in Rabat, stressing the need for a joint assessment by Spain and Morocco.
Marlaska credited cooperation with neighboring countries for swiftly resolving the situation, asserting that Morocco is a trusted partner and not a threat to Ceuta or Spain as a whole.
Following days of chaos and overcrowded streets in hopes of reaching a better life in Spain, Ceuta residents woke up to a tense calm on Saturday. Ceuta’s President Juan Jesus Vivas acknowledged the disruption caused by the border incident and emphasized the need for a smooth completion of the return process.
In Tangier, Morocco, near Ceuta, the railway station witnessed a flurry of people returning from the border. Some exhausted individuals shared their failed attempts at crossing, highlighting the harsh conditions they faced.
On the route to Fnideq, the Moroccan town bordering Ceuta, numerous migrants were seen heading towards the fence, some barefoot, seemingly determined to try their luck. Taxi drivers and bus operators were hesitant to transport them, fearing repercussions, while police were stationed along the road, inspecting all vehicles heading toward Fnideq.
Despite challenges, some migrants in Ceuta expressed their resolve to remain, including 23-year-old Mohamed Hatri from Morocco, who criticized the restrictions on buying food but affirmed their determination to stay, even in hunger.
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