Sánchez Denies Morocco Orchestrated Ceuta Border Crisis
Spain's PM rejects claims Morocco orchestrated the Ceuta migrant surge, citing no evidence, while thousands remain in the exclave.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has firmly rejected suggestions that Moroccan authorities orchestrated the mass migrant crossing into the Spanish exclave of Ceuta, which resulted in over 140 deaths. Speaking to lawmakers on Thursday, Sánchez stated that no institution, including the diplomatic service, the European Commission, or any international body, has provided his government with solid evidence implicating Morocco in planning the incident.
The crisis unfolded in late July when an estimated 72,000 migrants attempted to enter Ceuta, a Spanish territory in North Africa with a population of just 84,000. While most were returned to Morocco or pushed back within days, approximately 5,000 individuals, including 1,200 minors, remain in the city weeks later, according to national government figures. Local authorities in Ceuta report even higher numbers.
Sánchez confirmed that 141 people died during the attempt to reach the city, though his office and the interior ministry have not explained how this figure was calculated. The Spanish government has attributed the mass movement to an online social media campaign.
Despite earlier media reports citing a police document that highlighted alleged permissiveness by Moroccan security forces, Spanish officials have denied the document blamed Rabat. However, Sánchez acknowledged that for a 10-hour period on July 30, when arrivals peaked, Morocco's Gendarmerie police allowed the border to be crossed.
The prime minister has largely avoided direct criticism of Morocco but did condemn recent comments from two Moroccan ministers questioning the sovereignty of Ceuta and Melilla, Spain's other North African territory. In response, Spain has summoned Morocco's ambassador in Madrid. These two exclaves represent the European Union's only land borders with Africa.
Sánchez has promised to release key reports concerning the border breach, described as the deadliest in living memory, though no timeline or details have been provided for their publication. The announcement comes amid growing domestic pressure, with tens of thousands of Spaniards protesting in cities across the country, demanding solutions and the prime minister's resignation.