Rabat – Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez fiercely commented on the mass migration to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, describing the situation as a “violation” and an attack on his country’s “territorial integrity.”
Sanchez made his remarks today, reiterating that Spain will send back home all migrants who entered the enclave irregularly.
He said that Morocco will assist the effort.
The statement followed pressure the Sanchez government received inside and outside Spain.
Vox has described the situation as an “invasion,” with sharp criticism of the cabinet.
Italy threatened to suspend Spain from the EU’s internal open-border scheme, and France said it was increasing checks on its border with Spain.
Rabat and Madrid reaffirmed their determination to continue to strengthen the border fence of the enclave today, halting mass crossings.
Spain’s government said over 49,000 people crossed into the enclave illegally in 24 hours. Recent data said the enclave witnessed at least 60,000 crossings.
Moroccan security services are intensifying efforts to address the situation, deploying water cannon trucks to push people back.
Footage also documents clashes between people and the police, with cars being set ablaze.
Morocco’s government has not officially commented on the situation, but a source quoted by Europa Press blamed the situation on criminal organizations that exploit vulnerable people and encourage irregular migration.
Reports also highlighted how the Spanish Supreme Court’s July 8 ruling could be one of the factors that encouraged migrants to go to the enclave by sea.
The ruling stood against “hot returns” for migrants who arrived by sea.
