A woman and a man are seen swimming towards land, clinging to a child’s inflatable, amidst the distressing scenes unfolding as migrants attempt to reach the small Spanish enclave of Ceuta in northern Africa.
The border crisis has seen around 60,000 migrants crossing from Morocco into Ceuta, resulting in at least 34 deaths. This influx represents nearly 70% of the city’s usual population, with reports of drownings and fatalities in a fatal stampede near a checkpoint.
Following a recent ruling by Spain’s Supreme Court that sea arrivals cannot be summarily deported, migrants have rushed to reach Ceuta by sea, unlike those crossing by land or scaling the border fence.
Ceuta’s president, Juan Jesus Vivas, has labeled the situation as “absolutely unsustainable.” Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, during a visit to Ceuta, condemned the breach of the border as a violation of Spain’s territorial integrity, attributing the events to human smugglers.
The crisis escalated with clashes between security forces and migrants on the Moroccan side of the border. Meanwhile, large groups of migrants heading back from Ceuta towards Morocco were described by Rachid Sbihi, a local workers association leader, as a “serious humanitarian crisis.”
Accompanied by unaccompanied children, thousands of migrants were stranded in parks and on pavements, according to Sbihi. Despite the arrival of Spanish military troops to assist in humanitarian efforts, people continued to enter the territory.
Moroccan migrant Ahmed Karim, 33, cited the lack of job opportunities in his country as the reason for crossing into Ceuta, expressing the desire of many individuals to seek a better life in Europe or America.
The region near the border fence was strewn with belongings left behind by migrants attempting to cross, with Moroccan police using force to prevent further incursions. Human rights activist Achraf Maimouni reported continued attempts by people to cross through the waterway despite tightened security.
Spain serves as a key entry point into Europe for migrants seeking improved economic prospects or refuge from violence. The journey to Ceuta often involves swimming from the Moroccan town of Fnideq, while others attempt the crossing from Belyounech.
The situation in Bni Nsar, a Moroccan town near the Spanish territory, saw confrontations between migrants and police, resulting in injuries and arrests. The crossing attempts into Melilla were linked to the events in Ceuta, reflecting shared sentiments of occupation among many Moroccans toward both cities.
