Ceuta Faces Unprecedented Migrant Influx
The situation in the Spanish exclave of Ceuta has reached a critical point as authorities estimate that over 20,000 migrants have arrived from North Africa within just a few days, predominantly by swimming across the treacherous waters. Tragically, at least 16 individuals have drowned in this perilous journey, with their bodies recovered by local officials. This influx marks the largest number of migrants to reach Ceuta since 2021, when a similar crisis saw over 10,000 individuals storm the border.
Most of the recent arrivals made their way to Ceuta via the sea, landing on its beaches, while others crossed through a southern border checkpoint in the small territory, which spans approximately 18 square kilometers. An AFP reporter on the Moroccan side witnessed hundreds gathering at the border between the town of Fnideq and Ceuta, some declaring their intention to reach the exclave. One young man, traveling on foot from the 70 kilometers distant city of Tangier, mentioned he had set out after hearing that the Bab Sebta crossing was open.
Regional President of Ceuta, Juan Jesús Vivas, described the situation as a complete humanitarian and social emergency during a television address. He noted that more than 1,500 people, mainly men and youths, had arrived in just a few days, averaging about 200 newcomers daily. The local reception centers are overwhelmed, unable to accommodate the growing number of migrants.
Military and Government Response
In response to the escalating crisis, Spain's Interior Ministry announced that the military would support the Guardia Civil in enforcing their authority in the border area adjacent to Morocco. While the exact number of soldiers to be deployed has yet to be disclosed, there are plans to nearly double the current Guardia Civil presence in Ceuta from 80 to almost 160 officers.
Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska praised the collaboration with Moroccan authorities, labeling it as exemplary. He emphasized that both nations would take immediate action to repatriate those who have entered Ceuta illegally. Additionally, hundreds of migrants have also crossed into the second Spanish exclave in North Africa, Melilla, with around 400 individuals making their way through two border crossings and a dam in the southern part of the area, as reported by Juan José Imbroda, the autonomous city's president.
Ceuta and Melilla represent the only land borders between the European Union and Africa, making them regular targets for individuals seeking a better life in Europe. In light of the surge of migrants, the EU has offered support to Spain, with Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner expressing the EU's readiness to enhance assistance through Frontex to manage the situation. He also highlighted ongoing communication with Moroccan authorities to prevent such dangerous crossings.
Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni described the scenes from Ceuta as shocking, stating that Italy would not remain passive amid the crisis. Her government is working to convene the relevant authorities, and once discussions are concluded, they are prepared to take action, including potentially extraordinary measures such as suspending the Schengen Agreement with Spain. Similarly, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has voiced concerns that irregular migration poses a threat to national security, reinforcing Rome's demands for action.
In response to these statements, Madrid summoned the Italian ambassador, with Spanish Foreign Minister José Luis Albares accusing his Italian counterpart of politicizing immigration issues. Albares deemed such remarks inappropriate for a friendly partner country, asserting that Madrid expects solidarity from Rome rather than political demagoguery.
As reported by rp-online.de.
