Morocco Breaks Silence on Ceuta Migrant Influx, Citing 'Overlapping Factors'

Morocco has officially responded to the recent mass arrival of thousands of irregular migrants into Spain's Ceuta enclave, attributing the unprecedented border event to a confluence of "overlapping factors." The Moroccan Interior Ministry stated that 11 bodies were recovered in its waters following the incident, adding to the grim toll of at least 88 deaths recorded in Ceuta's makeshift morgue.

The ministry's statement detailed that the episode was influenced by "biased exploitation of digital space, the promotion of misleading information, the role of human trafficking gangs, and misinterpretations of legal and administrative data." These factors, it suggested, created an illusion of easy access to European territory without legal consequences. This comes after a Spanish Supreme Court ruling that prohibits the immediate return of individuals who swim to Spanish territory without breaching the physical border.

Morocco asserted its commitment to remaining a reliable and responsible partner in combating irregular migration and human trafficking, as promised to its international partners. However, the ministry indicated that it is still verifying the authenticity of data provided by Spanish authorities regarding the number of affected individuals, their identities, and nationalities through official cooperation channels.

Meanwhile, Spain has completed the deployment of a floating maritime barrier off the Tarajal beach in Ceuta. This measure aims to prevent further irregular crossings from Morocco. The Spanish government decided to install the barrier after more than 50,000 migrants entered Ceuta by land and sea starting Thursday, marking the largest influx in recent history and one of the most severe border crises Spain has faced.

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the kingdom will remain, as promised by its partners, a reliable and responsible partner, committed to strengthening international cooperation and coordination in the fight against irregular migration and human trafficking.