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On Sunday, tension rose at the Morocco-Spain border as hundreds of migrants gathered following calls on social media for a collective breach attempt. Moroccan police prevented them from crossing into Ceuta after a few managed to cross the first fence earlier in the day. The migrants, mostly Moroccans, were intercepted before entering Spanish territory. Ceuta and Melilla are the only land borders between Africa and the EU, making them primary targets for migrants wanting to enter Europe. Despite efforts to prevent illegal crossings, over 22,000 migrants arrived by sea in the nearby Canary Islands this year. Morocco and Spain have cooperated to address illegal migration since repairing diplomatic relations in 2022. The Moroccan interior ministry reported more than 11,000 blocked attempts to enter Ceuta and over 45,000 prevented entries into European territory in the first eight months of this year. Last month, migrants used thick mist to swim to Ceuta, and in June 2022, 23 migrants died during a breach attempt. Authorities have cracked down on those fabricating false information on social media to encourage illegal border crossings. The situation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by both countries in managing migration flows, highlighting the need for continued cooperation and vigilance.
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Moroccan authorities prevent hundreds of migrants from entering Spanish enclave of Ceuta
