Morocco speaks out for the first time on migrant surge into Spain

Morocco reports 11 deaths during border crossings into Ceuta and prosecutor opens investigation, in its first statement on the incident.

On 2/8, the Moroccan Interior Ministry announced that 11 people died during a migrant surge into Spain's territory of Ceuta from 29-31/7. The casualties included 10 who drowned and one victim who died from falling off a cliff. This figure is significantly lower than the 72 deaths previously reported by Spain. Rabat is coordinating with Madrid to cross-reference casualty data and identify bodies found in Spanish territory.

A group of migrants escorted by Spanish soldiers to return to Morocco via the border crossing in Ceuta on 2/8. *AFP*

The Moroccan Interior Ministry stated that the sudden surge in border crossings was due to social media "maliciously exploited" to spread misinformation, leading many to believe they could easily enter Ceuta. The ministry also attributed the situation to misinterpretations of legal regulations, citing a Spanish Supreme Court ruling on 8/7. This ruling states that migrants arriving by sea are not immediately returned, unlike other border crossers. Moroccan prosecutors have opened an investigation to clarify what transpired.

According to Moroccan officials, approximately 40,000 attempts were made to illegally cross into Ceuta. Additionally, 1,135 people attempted to illegally enter Spain's territory of Melilla, located east of Ceuta, but were immediately returned to Morocco. Meanwhile, Spain reported that over 60,000 people entered Ceuta in recent days, though most were subsequently returned to Morocco voluntarily or through escort.

Spanish Civil Guard deploys a floating barrier in the sea between Ceuta and Morocco on the morning of 1/8. *Reuters*

This marks the first time the Moroccan government has commented since tens of thousands of migrants surged into Ceuta, triggering a diplomatic crisis with Spain. Many European partners criticized Madrid's immigration policy during this period. By 2/8, the situation in Ceuta had largely returned to normal, but Spanish military personnel and police continued patrolling the streets. Rescue boats also maintained patrols along the maritime border fence extending into the Mediterranean, where a new 500-meter floating barrier had been added.

Some analysts suggest Rabat may have allowed the migrants to cross to exert diplomatic pressure on Madrid. This comes as Spain recently improved relations with Algeria, a regional rival of Morocco. In 2021, approximately 10,000 migrants also surged into Ceuta after Morocco eased border controls to pressure Spain.