Rabat – Ceuta authorities said the number of migrants who remain in the enclave following the mass crossings of July 30 is estimated at between 8,000 and 11,000. The number runs counter to figures reported by Spanish outlets, which indicate that only between 2,000 and 3,000 people remain in the enclave.
Ceuta President Juan Vivas demanded on Saturday the return of those who remain in the enclave.
He said the migrants’ return is the “only way out” to tackle the situation, which he described as “absolutely unsustainable.”
Amid reports that Ceuta returned to normal following the mass crossing, Vivas questioned the numbers provided by the Spanish government.
He said thousands of people still wander through Ceuta’s streets and are hiding in the mountains and on beaches without shelter and without having their basic needs met.
The mass crossing dates back to the last week of July, especially those last few days when tens of thousands of migrants crossed or attempted to cross to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta.
While tens of thousands made it, others died.
Spanish authorities claim at least 80,000 entered the enclave and at least 88 others were dead.
Morocco’s government, however, estimates the number at 40,000 and 14 deaths.
Most of the migrants who entered the enclave returned to Morocco, either through voluntary returns – acknowledging the hardship and abuse they endured in the enclave – or were returned by the authorities.
Earlier this year, AFP said hundreds of unaccompanied children are sleeping in the streets, including girls who are at risk of exploitation, trafficking, and abuse.
The report estimates the number of those who remain in the enclave at 2,000, with more than 1,000 of them being unaccompanied minors who refuse to go back to Morocco.
