Morocco Refuses to Shoulder Blame for Migration Crisis
In a recent statement reported by MAP, a Moroccan government source has made it clear that Morocco does not intend to assume responsibility for the ongoing migration crisis affecting the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. The source attributes the root cause of this situation to a decision made by a Spanish judge, which they argue undermines Morocco's efforts in managing migration. The spokesperson emphasized, "We are neither the police nor the caretaker of Europe; we are a sovereign partner, not a subcontractor." This statement reflects a strong and assertive position, indicative of the style often associated with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, known for his sharp and articulate responses.
Emphasizing Shared Responsibility and Partnership
The government source elaborated on the necessity of updating partnership rules, highlighting that if the western flank of the Mediterranean has remained relatively stable for Europe over the years, it is not due to a lack of interest from human trafficking networks, but rather because Morocco has effectively mobilized significant resources to combat illegal migration. The source pointed out that a security-only approach is insufficient to address the complexities of migration. They expressed shock at the sensationalist media coverage and the extreme narratives that have emerged during the crisis, criticizing the lack of strategic vision from some quarters and the political exploitation of the situation by others. The source reiterated that Europe must be a committed partner in Morocco's development and should refrain from implementing decisions that hinder this progress, particularly those that negatively impact Moroccan ports, the automotive industry, finance, services, transportation, and offshoring sectors.
The source firmly stated that the migration crisis was exacerbated not by smugglers, but rather by a judicial ruling from Spain. They asserted that a Spanish judge cannot dismantle the mechanisms established to combat illegal immigration and then expect Morocco to bear the consequences of such a decision. Furthermore, they highlighted that Morocco has always acted as a loyal and responsible partner in the fight against illegal migration, never yielding to pressure or acting out of obligation or coercion. The government's commitment is evident through visible results, which, although often taken for granted, represent significant achievements in the ongoing battle against illegal immigration.
According to the source, in 2025 alone, over 74,000 illegal migration attempts were foiled, and 632 human trafficking networks were dismantled, showcasing the effectiveness of Morocco's efforts. It is clear that the solution to the migration issue lies in a collaborative and forward-thinking partnership between Morocco and Europe, which acknowledges the complexities of this global phenomenon.
As reported by medias24.com.
