**Morocco Responds to Spain's Accusations Over Migrant Influx in Ceuta**
Morocco has firmly rejected allegations that it facilitated the mass entry of over 70,000 migrants into Ceuta, a Spanish enclave on the North African coast. In a statement released on Thursday, the Moroccan Foreign Ministry emphasized that there is no evidence supporting claims of its involvement in the crisis that unfolded in late July.
The ministry accused certain political factions and media outlets in Spain of exploiting the migrant situation for their own domestic agendas, particularly with national elections approaching in 2027. “Morocco refuses to be used as a pre-election pawn. Nor does it accept being the scapegoat for political score-settling,” the statement read.
The context of these accusations stems from events that occurred on July 30 and 31, when a significant number of migrants overwhelmed the border controls of Ceuta. Following the crisis, Spain declassified intelligence reports indicating that its intelligence service had warned both Spanish officials and Moroccan authorities about online calls for a mass crossing just a day prior to the incident. A police report commissioned by a Spanish judge further alleged that Moroccan border forces played an active role in facilitating the influx.
Despite the large number of individuals who crossed into Ceuta, most were returned to Morocco within days. However, reports indicate that thousands, including hundreds of unaccompanied minors, are still in limbo. Human rights organizations have reported that at least 100 individuals died during the attempt to cross, many of whom perished at sea.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has acknowledged that there is no concrete evidence linking Rabat to the organization of the influx. However, he did confirm that Moroccan forces allowed crossings during a critical ten-hour window on July 30. Morocco has attributed the incident to a Spanish court ruling that restricted the immediate return of migrants arriving by sea, which they argue weakened the deterrent effect at the border.
In its latest statement, Morocco called for a thorough investigation into the “regrettable events” of July, urging for the identification of any potential interference and manipulation, as well as measures to prevent similar situations in the future. The Moroccan authorities also highlighted their ongoing cooperation with Spain in matters of migration and security, noting their joint efforts in dismantling terrorist and criminal networks and saving lives.
This recent crisis is not an isolated incident; a similar situation occurred in 2021 when approximately 9,000 migrants entered Ceuta after Moroccan guards temporarily relaxed border controls amid a diplomatic dispute. At that time, the European Parliament accused Morocco of using migration as a form of political leverage.
Relations between Morocco and Spain saw a positive shift in 2022 when Madrid endorsed Morocco’s autonomy plan for the disputed region of Western Sahara. However, tensions remain, as Morocco continues to claim Ceuta and the nearby enclave of Melilla, both of which Spain regards as integral parts of its territory.
As the situation develops, both countries continue to navigate the complex dynamics of migration, diplomacy, and national security in a region marked by historical disputes and humanitarian challenges.