Morocco moves to block new migrant surge to Ceuta amid disinformation campaign

Moroccan authorities announced they have implemented measures to thwart any new mass influx of migrants into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. This action follows the detection of a new wave of disinformation circulating on social media platforms.

For over a week, online posts have falsely suggested that the border crossing between the Moroccan city of Fnideq and Ceuta would reopen on August 15th, a public holiday in Spain. These posts emerged after a record number of approximately 72,000 migrants illegally entered Ceuta in late July within a few days. According to the Spanish Interior Ministry, seventy thousand people were subsequently deported back to Morocco.

"All necessary measures have been taken to prevent any attempt at illegal crossing and to stop any person seeking to participate in it," stated Rachid El Halfi, spokesperson for the Moroccan Interior Ministry. The ministry clarified it has "identified in recent days posts and anonymous messages circulating on certain social media platforms inciting the organization of attempts at mass and illegal crossings towards Ceuta and Melilla," the other Spanish enclave located 400 kilometers to the east.

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All necessary measures have been taken to prevent any attempt at illegal crossing and to stop any person seeking to participate in it.

Individuals involved in disseminating these posts will face legal consequences. El Halfi noted that a "group of individuals" suspected of involvement has been arrested and is under investigation, as reported by the official MAP news agency. Following the unprecedented mass migration to Ceuta, approximately 2,000 people, including over 1,000 unaccompanied minors, remained in the area, according to the administration of the Spanish enclave.

The Moroccan Interior Ministry called on "the Spanish authorities (...) to assume their responsibilities and accelerate the return procedures" for these minors. This migration crisis resulted in the recovery of 11 bodies on the Moroccan side, according to Rabat. On the Spanish side, at least 80 people lost their lives, according to a Spanish committee of forensic experts. Moroccan NGOs, including the Moroccan Association for Human Rights (AMDH), report that at least 141 people died during this crossing attempt.

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the Spanish authorities (...) to assume their responsibilities and accelerate the return procedures