Madrid, Rabat: (PNP) A surge of migrants has hit Spain’s Ceuta region, with thousands crossing the border from Morocco, while nine people have died in their search for a better future.
Local authorities in Ceuta, a Spanish autonomous territory in North Africa, have declared a humanitarian and social emergency after a sudden increase in the number of migrants illegally entering the territory from Morocco.
According to the Ceuta government, between 1,500 and 2,000 migrants crossed the border from Morocco and entered the territory over a period of 10 days, while hundreds more arrived in Ceuta in a single day. In view of the situation, Ceuta President Juan Vivas called on the Spanish government to deploy troops and take control of the border.
The Spanish Interior Ministry rejected a request to declare a nationwide state of emergency, saying that under existing laws, the immigration crisis could not be classified as a national emergency. However, it announced that additional resources would be provided. The ministry later announced the deployment of 60 soldiers to strengthen border surveillance.
According to eyewitnesses, several migrants reached Ceuta from Morocco in rubber boats or by swimming, while others climbed over the border fence to enter Spanish territory. Some of those who crossed were heard chanting “Viva España.”
Zakaria Zarouqi, an activist working for migrant rights, said the current situation resembles the May 2021 crisis, when around 10,000 Moroccan and African youths entered Ceuta within just a few days. He said the situation remains out of control, with more people gathering in Morocco’s border city of Fnideq in the hope of reaching Europe.
Ceuta and Melilla are two Spanish autonomous territories located in North Africa and constitute the European Union’s only land borders with Africa. People seeking a better life and hoping to obtain asylum in Europe often attempt to enter the continent through these routes.
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