Moroccan government bodies have remained silent regarding the deaths of over 70 migrants attempting to reach Ceuta, a Spanish enclave, by swimming. The Moroccan Prime Minister in Rabat, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Interior have not issued comments on the incident, drawing criticism from international observers and media outlets. An official count confirms 72 migrant deaths, showing the tragic scale of the incident. Most victims drowned while trying to swim around the border breakwater at the El Tarajal crossing, which leads into Ceuta, reportedly under the observation of Moroccan security forces. This method of attempting to cross the border is fraught with peril, particularly given the strong currents and challenging conditions around the breakwater. The lack of official statements from Rabat has intensified scrutiny on the handling of the migrant crisis.
Spanish Border Measures
In response to the influx of migrants and to reinforce border security, Spanish security forces on Saturday deployed a 500-meter-long aerial barrier along the border breakwater at Tarajal. The measure aims to prevent Moroccan migrants from reaching Ceuta by swimming. This new barrier represents a significant escalation in border control efforts by Spanish authorities. This barrier is intended to facilitate the return of any migrant who manages to bypass it to their country of origin, according to reports. Spanish law permits the repatriation of irregular migrants who attempt to enter the territory by circumventing existing border containment measures, such as fences and sea barriers. The deployment follows recent incidents of migrants attempting to swim around the breakwater into the Spanish enclave, noting the persistent challenges faced by border security personnel. The aerial barrier is designed to create a more formidable obstacle than previous measures, making unauthorized entry by sea considerably more difficult.
Scale of Migrant Crossings
The Spanish Ministry of Interior estimated that approximately 50,000 irregular migrants have crossed into Ceuta, reflecting a substantial movement of people into the enclave. Earlier, the head of the city of Ceuta had announced a higher figure, stating that 60,000 migrants had entered the enclave, indicating the dynamic and often rapidly changing nature of migrant statistics during such events. Of those who crossed, approximately 48,300 had voluntarily returned to Morocco by 4 PM GMT on Friday. These figures highlight the significant movement of people across the border in recent days and the considerable number of individuals who chose or were compelled to return. The returning migrants contribute to the overall scale of border activity reported by both Spanish and local Ceuta authorities, demonstrating the constant flow of people and the complexities involved in managing the border. The sheer volume of crossings in a short period has placed considerable strain on resources and infrastructure in Ceuta.
Official Silence and Criticism
The Spanish newspaper El País published a report on Sunday that criticized Morocco's response to the migrant drownings. The newspaper described the Moroccan government's stance as "imposing silence, and official media blackout," or "فرضا للصمت، وتعتيما إعلاميا رسميا," concerning the tragedy. El País's report focused on what it perceived as a lack of official communication from the Moroccan regime regarding the incident, which resulted in the deaths of dozens of Moroccan citizens. The criticism from El País notes concerns about the transparency of information surrounding the migrant crisis near Ceuta. The publication's assessment suggests a deliberate absence of official statements or media coverage from Moroccan authorities on the matter, which has drawn further attention to the humanitarian aspects of the situation. This perceived lack of transparency has fueled speculation and calls for greater accountability regarding the events that led to the tragic loss of life.