Morocco confirms online disinformation campaign behind mass Ceuta border rush

Morocco's Ministry of Interior has officially confirmed an online campaign that falsely encouraged people to attempt reaching the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. This confirmation follows an unprecedented surge last week where over 50,000 people crossed into Ceuta, with more than 48,000 returning to Morocco within 48 hours.

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were not the result of temporary or spontaneous factors

Ministry Spokesperson Rachid Khalfi stated that the border crossings were not spontaneous but resulted from a combination of factors. These included the "excessive exploitation of digital platforms," the spread of misleading information, the involvement of human trafficking networks, and misinterpretations of legal information. Khalfi explained that these elements collectively created a "false impression" that entry into European territory was easy and without legal repercussions, and that the border was open.

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the excessive exploitation of digital platforms, the dissemination of misleading information, the role of human trafficking networks, and incorrect interpretations of legal and administrative information.

The Public Prosecutor's Office has initiated judicial investigations to identify those responsible and determine appropriate legal consequences. A report by José María Gil Garre of the International Security Observatory detailed a chronological reconstruction of the disinformation campaign, which began in early July across social networks from profiles in Algeria, Tunisia, France, and the US. The campaign intensified after a Spanish Supreme Court ruling on July 8 concerning the return of migrants intercepted at sea, which was misrepresented as a guarantee of permanent residence in Spanish territory.

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false impression