Morocco rejects accusations of involvement in mass crossing into Ceuta
Morocco’s Foreign Ministry said there is no evidence of Rabat’s involvement in the mass crossing of people from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta in July. The ministry also stressed that it does not agree to be drawn into domestic political disputes in Spain, Cyprus Mail reports, citing Reuters.
According to the publication, more than 70,000 people crossed from Morocco into Ceuta. This prompted criticism in Spain directed both at Morocco and at the government of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.
Statement by Morocco’s Foreign Ministry
Morocco’s Foreign Ministry said that no evidence, facts or reports confirm the involvement of Moroccan authorities in the crossing. The ministry also questioned why people are not being returned despite the Moroccan government’s official commitment to take them back.
The Moroccan side also said that unaccompanied minors are being kept far from their families, although Rabat had urgently requested their return.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
Situation in Ceuta
Most of the people who crossed into Ceuta later returned to Morocco. At the same time, according to non-governmental organizations, more than 100 people died. Local authorities report that thousands of people, including unaccompanied minors, still remain in the enclave and live in temporary camps, on the streets and on beaches.
Residents of Ceuta protest almost daily over the Spanish government’s response to the crisis. Spain’s opposition parties criticize the Sanchez government’s relations with Rabat and accuse Morocco of facilitating or organizing the crossing.
Reports published by the Spanish government indicate that Spain’s intelligence services and security agencies warned Madrid and Moroccan partners about the possibility of a mass crossing. Morocco’s Foreign Ministry said that the country will not allow itself to be used as a tool of election politics or made a scapegoat in political disputes. National elections in Spain are due to be held by mid-2027.
Morocco also recalled its cooperation with Spain in security, migration and economic affairs, which intensified after Sanchez backed Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara in 2022. Rabat does not recognize Spanish sovereignty over Ceuta and another enclave, Melilla.
