Over 70 Dead After Thousands Cross Border into Spain’s Ceuta
A recent mass movement of migrants into Spain’s Ceuta enclave from Morocco has resulted in many deaths. Spanish officials reported on Sunday that at least 72 people died. Most of these deaths happened during the large crossing.
About 60,000 people tried to enter the Spanish territory in North Africa. Most of them swam to reach Ceuta. The delegate for the Spanish government in Ceuta, Miguel Angel Perez Triano, confirmed the number of fatalities. Moroccan officials gave a lower estimate of 11 deaths. They said 10 people drowned and one person fell from rocks.
Many migrants have since returned to Morocco. The territory saw its biggest ever crossing between Wednesday and Friday. Spanish police and soldiers patrolled the streets of Ceuta. The enclave largely returned to normal on Sunday.
Only small groups of migrants were still present. Most had gone back to Morocco voluntarily within 48 hours. An AFP reporter saw some migrant children in an old industrial park. Others slept on pavements. Aziz Dabch, 41, a Moroccan man, said all the children wanted to go to mainland Spain.
This large influx of migrants created an international crisis for Spain. Some European countries criticized Spain’s migration policies. The European Union will hold a video call on Tuesday to discuss a response. Italy has already stopped its Schengen agreement with Spain for one month. This agreement allows free movement between borders.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez sent a letter to EU leaders. He called the reactions of some EU countries “selfish.” Pope Francis also spoke about the situation on Sunday. He said he was watching it “with concern.” He hoped for a solution of “peace, stability and justice.”
Spain blames criminal groups for spreading false information. These groups said a recent Spanish court decision would make it easier for migrants to enter. Some experts believe Morocco might have allowed the crossings. This could be to put pressure on Spain. Spain has recently improved its ties with Algeria, Morocco’s rival.
A similar event happened in 2021. About 10,000 migrants crossed into Ceuta then. Morocco had eased border controls at that time.
