Morocco warns of new attempts at mass migration to Ceuta and Melilla

At least 96 migrants died during a mass attempt to cross into Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta last week, according to official figures cited by Spanish television RTVE. Of these, 82 fatalities were recorded on the Spanish side, while 14 occurred on the Moroccan side. The death toll has risen significantly since initial reports, with the Moroccan Association for Human Rights (AMDH) estimating that 141 people perished when including attempts to enter another Spanish enclave, Melilla. The primary cause of death was identified as mechanical asphyxiation due to drowning, confirmed by Manuel Aparcero, director of the Forensic Medicine Institute in Ceuta. All recovered bodies have undergone autopsies, though only six individuals have been identified so far, adult male citizens of Morocco. Efforts to accelerate identification include fingerprint comparisons between Spanish Civil Guard data and Moroccan authorities. Additional forensic experts from cities such as Cáceres, Salamanca, Valladolid, Toledo, and Guadalajara have joined the investigation. Emergency services described the scene near the beach of Tarajal as horrific, noting that between 60 and 100 people arrived on the Spanish side each minute during peak intensity. Aparcero described arriving to find a mass influx of migrants, many already dead or in critical condition. Doctors attempted resuscitation efforts, but some proved unsuccessful. On the Moroccan side, the National Council for Human Rights (CNDH) reported 236 injured individuals, including 87 members of security forces. Approximately 100 people were arrested in Ceuta, including 11 minors, while 23 others were detained near Melilla. Protests on the Moroccan side caused significant material damage, with around 90 private and official vehicles destroyed. The CNDH investigation highlighted the role of social media in organizing the mass crossing. Twenty-three Facebook groups with over a million members were analyzed, revealing information shared about routes, timelines, and methods of crossing the sea to Ceuta. The council noted that misinterpretation of a ruling by Spain's Supreme Court banning the immediate return of migrants to sea might have encouraged further organized crossings. Migration pressure continues, with a migrant attempting entry via paraglider recorded this week. In Ceuta alone, 1342 minors have been identified, with relocation to the Spanish mainland expected in the coming weeks. The tragedy raises questions about Ceuta’s capacity to accommodate migrants, especially minors, prompting local authorities to call again for greater solidarity and support from the rest of Spain. A recent warning from Moroccan authorities came after a large migration wave toward Ceuta at the end of July, when tens of thousands attempted to reach the Spanish enclave from Morocco. Estimates of the scale of the crossing varied significantly. Juan Jesús Vivas, president of the Ceuta region, estimated the number at times as high as 80,000, while Morocco estimated approximately 40,000 people tried to reach the enclave. Morocco announced the arrest of a group suspected of inciting new mass crossings into Ceuta and Melilla, following anonymous posts and messages circulating on social networks encouraging collective illegal entries on August 15. Authorities stated they had taken all necessary measures to prevent illegal crossings and apprehend those attempting to participate. Legal actions would be pursued against those promoting such calls online. The ministry did not specify how many people were arrested or when the arrests took place, only stating that the group was suspected of incitement and that investigations were underway under the supervision of the relevant state prosecution. The ministry urged citizens not to follow “dubious and misleading” calls, warning that attempts to illegally cross borders could endanger human lives. It emphasized that combating irregular migration and human trafficking requires joint responsibility and close cooperation among affected countries. Spain reaffirmed its stance that the status of the North African enclaves Ceuta and Melilla as Spanish territories is not open to discussion, following comments by Moroccan Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi, who publicly raised the issue of sovereignty over the cities for the first time since the border crisis in Ceuta at the end of July, when approximately 72,000 migrants briefly crossed into the enclave. At least 96 people died in the mass border crossing attempt. Ouahbi stated that Morocco had always raised the question of the status of these cities in negotiations with Spain, aiming long-term for a resolution through dialogue. Since gaining independence in 1956, Morocco has considered Ceuta and Melilla occupied by Spain and asserted that sovereignty should eventually be transferred to Rabat. Madrid, however, considers them integral parts of its territory since the 17th and 15th centuries respectively. Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles declared that Ceuta and Melilla are not just Spanish, but “super-Spanish,” and warned that any attack on these cities is an attack on Spain itself. She stressed that such incidents must never happen again. The Spanish government generally praised Morocco’s cooperation in returning migrants, blaming the crisis on human trafficking gangs. In a separate statement, the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated that Spain’s territorial integrity is not and will never be subject to discussion with anyone. Meanwhile, the Moroccan Ministry of Interior increased security near the borders with Ceuta and Melilla due to internet calls for a new mass border crossing on August 15. It warned that organizers and participants would face legal consequences. The ministry urged everyone to remain cautious and responsible, avoiding such dubious and misleading calls given the risks they pose to human lives. It also called on Spain to expedite the repatriation of Moroccan minors without accompaniment currently in Ceuta. Spanish Minister for Youth Sira Rego stated last week that Madrid would consider Morocco’s offer for repatriating children on a case-by-case basis.