Moroccan security forces showed little resistance during a massive influx of migrants into Spain’s Ceuta territory in July, according to a Spanish police report. The report noted that the number of Spanish police deployed around the border was unusually low and described how Moroccan officers appeared unresponsive as thousands crossed into Ceuta. Many migrants spoke about the lack of action from Moroccan authorities during their journey to the Spanish border.
Thousands of people took to the streets in Madrid and more than 200 other towns to protest the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ceuta, according to France 24. The demonstrations were organized by the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces, which is officially nonpartisan. However, the protests are being promoted by Spain’s conservative Popular Party and far-right Vox party, both of which oppose irregular migration.
The Spanish government said it had not ignored warning signs before the border breach occurred. Ceuta’s regional leader, Juan Jesús Vivas, said the situation was not a typical migratory crisis but rather an unusual event, according to a report from ABC News. Vivas is a member of Spain’s leading conservative Popular Party and has been critical of the government’s handling of the crisis.
About 72,000 people entered Ceuta in late July, with at least 90 dying in the attempt to reach Europe. Most of those who entered returned or were sent back over the border, but around 5,000 people, including 1,200 minors, remain in Ceuta weeks later.
The government believes the sudden mass crossing was caused by an online campaign on social media. The influx of migrants overwhelmed local resources and upset many residents due to Ceuta’s small population of around 84,000.
Spain’s central government has denied accusations that it left Ceuta without support. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said a misinterpretation of a Supreme Court ruling and misinformation on social media led people to rush the border. Sanchez also accused social media accounts linked to Russia and Israel of exploiting the situation after it occurred.
Both the Israeli and the Russian governments have refuted that claim. Many migrants, including unaccompanied minors, are still sleeping on the streets or in beach camps despite efforts to shelter them.
A Moroccan migrant named Nebil Tazi told reporters that conditions were difficult and urged Spain to strengthen its border with Morocco instead of relying on cooperation. The Ceuta holiday commemorates the arrival of the first Portuguese governor in 1415.
This year, instead of celebrations, the city hosted a protest over the humanitarian crisis and government response.
IMAGE: Juan Jesús Vivas en la Convención Nacional del Partido Popular en Sevilla (enero de 2011). Photo: PPLoaiza / Wikimedia, taken 2011-01-21, CC BY 2.0