Over 150 detentions in Morocco following mass migration attempt towards Spanish enclave Ceuta
In Morocco, authorities have apprehended 152 individuals in relation to a spike in migrants trying to sneak into the Spanish territory of Ceuta. They are allegedly charged for instigating the mass attempt at illicit border crossing through digital platforms, as stated by a government representative.
Recently, a large number of individuals, mainly young Moroccan men, have rallied towards the northern city of Fnideq, aiming to transgress the fortified frontier and join the European Union (EU).
As per the government spokesperson, around 3000 individuals attempted the crossing, but were all deterred by Moroccan security forces. Human rights advocates characterized it as the most aggressive deployment of security forces the city has ever experienced. The local press captured footage of young individuals hurling stones at security forces as they were obstructed from reaching the Ceuta border.
Following Spain's endorsement of a Moroccan self-rule plan for the disputed Western Sahara in 2022, Morocco and Spain have reinforced their cooperation against unlawful migration. So far this year, Morocco is said to have halted 45,015 individuals from unlawfully infiltrating Europe, as per the Interior Ministry.
The intensified observation of Morocco's northern borders has driven more migrants to opt for the riskier and extended Atlantic voyage to the Canary Islands. Ceuta and Melilla, the two Spanish enclaves located along Morocco's Mediterranean coast, are the only land borders between the EU and Africa, and they often encounter waves of migration attempts by individuals aiming to penetrate Europe.
- The government representative mentioned that the individuals were allegedly charged for instigating the mass attempt through digital platforms.
- The large number of individuals had rallied towards Fnideq, aiming to transgress the fortified frontier and join the EU.
