Morocco denies role in mass migrant crossing into Ceuta
Morocco has rejected accusations it facilitated a reported influx of more than 70,000 migrants into Spain’s Ceuta, as a declassified Spanish intelligence assessment raises questions about official inaction.
Morocco’s Foreign Ministry has denied involvement in the reported mass crossing into Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta on 30 and 31 July, saying there is no evidence Moroccan authorities facilitated or orchestrated the movement.
More than 70,000 migrants reportedly entered Ceuta from Morocco. Local officials and civil organisations said more than 100 people died, while thousands, including unaccompanied minors, remained in makeshift camps, on streets or on beaches. Those figures have not been independently verified.
The influx has intensified political pressure on Spain’s government, with near-daily protests reported in Ceuta and opposition parties accusing Rabat of enabling the crossing. Morocco rejected the allegations and questioned why migrants and unaccompanied minors had not been returned, citing its stated commitment to readmission.
Spain declassified intelligence on Wednesday that had warned of possible “mass entries” shortly before the crossing. A military intelligence assessment said it was highly likely Moroccan authorities were not actively encouraging the movement, but had acted negligently and passively.
The dispute has tested close security, migration and economic ties between Madrid and Rabat, which strengthened after Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez backed Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara in 2022. Morocco does not recognise Spanish sovereignty over Ceuta or the neighbouring enclave of Melilla.
