Morocco again demands Spain quickly return its minors from Ceuta

Morocco has renewed its call for Spain to swiftly return unaccompanied minors from the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. The Moroccan Interior Ministry stated that administrative and judicial hurdles are preventing the children's return to their families.

In a statement issued following social media calls for irregular crossings into Ceuta on August 15, the ministry urged both nations to "fulfill their commitments under shared responsibility." Morocco has reportedly detained individuals suspected of inciting these crossings and is taking legal action against those acting against the law.

The ministry emphasized that its increased police presence around Ceuta and Melilla, the two Spanish autonomous cities in North Africa, is part of ongoing surveillance and not tied to a specific date. It also cautioned Moroccan citizens against "suspicious and misleading calls" that could endanger lives.

This demand comes in the wake of a significant migrant crisis on July 30, when thousands crossed into Ceuta from Morocco. Spanish authorities reported over 70,000 entries and more than 80 deaths, while Moroccan figures were lower, citing 40,000 entries and 14 fatalities.