Geopolitical game behind Ceuta crisis: Kovacevic explains the role of Morocco, Israel and Trump

Hundreds of children roam the streets of Ceuta without adult supervision, unable to be repatriated back to Morocco due to their unaccompanied status, according to reports emerging this week. The situation has sparked urgent calls from local authorities, non-governmental organizations, and international bodies to address the welfare of these minors amid a broader migration crisis that has strained Spain’s southern border with North Africa. Ceuta, a Spanish enclave on the northern coast of Africa, saw a mass influx of migrants from Morocco over the past week, with estimates ranging from 50,000 to 60,000 individuals crossing into the territory. Among these arrivals, officials estimate around 1,100 are under the age of 18, though some NGOs claim the number could be significantly higher. Local authorities in Ceuta have identified 528 unaccompanied minors who have been placed under the care of the autonomous city's administration, while others remain unaccounted for, hiding in beaches, hills, or living in dire conditions. The children range in age from 10 to 14 years old, many of whom are described as being in vulnerable situations, having fled homes marked by violence or instability. José Miguel Morales, from the organization Sur Acoge, noted that volunteers are actively searching for these children, attempting to identify them, escorting them to police stations for official registration, and ensuring they are integrated into the care system managed by Ceuta’s autonomous government. He emphasized the emotional toll on families searching for missing children, as well as the cases of minors who refuse to return home due to traumatic experiences. Local and national authorities have acknowledged the challenges posed by the sheer volume of migrants. The mayor of Ceuta, Juan Jesús Vivas, admitted that the exact number of unaccompanied minors remains unknown, with many still evading detection. He highlighted the overwhelming capacity of reception centers, which are operating at approximately 260 percent of their intended capacity. According to Vivas, between 6,000 and 8,000 migrants are believed to still be in Ceuta, although the central Spanish government estimates the figure at between 2,500 and 3,000 individuals. In response to the crisis, the Ministry of Youth and Children has opened one of two designated school buildings for emergency accommodation of unaccompanied minors. Around 100 children spent their first night there, while others were distributed among reception centers such as La Esperanza, Tarajal Nueva Esperanza, and other temporary facilities. Non-governmental organizations, including Plataforma de Infancia, Fundación Raíces, and Asociación Exmenas, have urgently requested immediate action from Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and several ministers, warning of the precarious conditions faced by children near the Temporary Reception Center for Migrants (CETI). These groups have specifically called for access to clean water, food, and medical care, emphasizing the particular vulnerability of young girls. The migration crisis has also ignited political tensions within Spain. The president of Ceuta has sought assistance from the rest of the country, describing the situation as an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. Meanwhile, discussions continue regarding the mandatory and solidarity-based distribution of unaccompanied minors among Spain’s autonomous regions, as outlined in amendments to the Foreigners Act adopted by Sánchez’s government. Initial resistance from the conservative Popular Party (PP) has since softened, with the party expressing willingness to support a fair, adequately funded, and planned distribution. However, representatives from the far-right Vox party have warned of legal challenges against such decisions in certain regions. Meanwhile, in the nearby Moroccan town of Fnideq, the atmosphere remains tense. Reports indicate that Moroccan security forces, armed with long pipes, are patrolling the area, deterring would-be migrants attempting to cross into Ceuta. Many of those who attempted the journey describe being physically assaulted by both Spanish and Moroccan authorities. One 25-year-old from Tangier, Hamza, recounted his failed attempt to swim to Ceuta, stating he was beaten by Spanish soldiers before being forced back by Moroccan police. Despite the risks, he expressed determination to try again, driven by the promise of better opportunities in Europe. The crisis has also drawn attention to the role of misinformation and social media in influencing migration patterns. Some experts suggest that false claims circulating online may have contributed to the surge in migrants heading toward Ceuta. In response, the Moroccan government has stated its readiness to cooperate with Spain and other European partners in identifying and repatriating unaccompanied minors, emphasizing that each case must be handled individually with respect for the rights of the child. At the European level, the crisis has prompted renewed discussions on migration policy. Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi proposed the establishment of processing centers outside the EU borders, suggesting that the Union should take responsibility for managing migration flows at their source rather than reacting solely to crises within its territories. This proposal aligns with the newly implemented Migration Pact, which aims to create a more coordinated approach to handling migration across the continent. As the situation continues to unfold, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of the affected children, while addressing the underlying factors driving the migration crisis. With the European Union seeking to strengthen its external borders and coordinate responses to future challenges, the events in Ceuta serve as a critical test of the bloc’s ability to manage complex migration issues effectively.