Morocco Refutes Allegations of Migrant Crisis Facilitation in Ceuta
By Editor • September 10, 2026 • 1 min read
The Moroccan government is vehemently denying accusations from Spain regarding its involvement in the recent surge of migrants into Ceuta, a Spanish enclave in North Africa. Following an unprecedented influx of over 70,000 migrants on July 30 and 31, which tragically resulted in the deaths of more than 100 individuals, the Moroccan Foreign Ministry issued a statement asserting that there is no evidence linking Rabat to the crisis.
Spain's Political Fallout
In the aftermath of the crisis, Spain has seen political turbulence as opposition parties have criticized the government’s handling of relations with Morocco. They allege that Morocco may have facilitated the mass crossings. However, the Moroccan ministry counters, questioning the lack of evidence and highlighting that Morocco has officially committed to readmitting migrants. The ministry expressed frustration over being used as a political tool in Spain’s pre-election landscape.
Living Conditions in Ceuta
While many of the migrants have returned, a significant number remain in Ceuta, where they are living in dire conditions—often in makeshift camps or on the streets. Local officials and civil organizations report that unaccompanied minors are among those still present, raising concerns among residents and leading to frequent protests against the Spanish government's response to the situation. The Moroccan Foreign Ministry has called for the return of these minors to their families.
Intelligence Reports and Diplomatic Relations
On the intelligence front, Spain has declassified reports that warned of potential mass migrations prior to the events in July. A military document from that time suggested that while Moroccan authorities may not have actively encouraged the migrant wave, their actions could be viewed as negligent. The ministry underscored the ongoing diplomatic and security ties between Morocco and Spain, especially following Spain’s backing of Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara last year.
Source: www.aljazeera.com
