How Morocco is pressuring the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla

Morocco's role in a recent migration crisis is being questioned by Spain. Around 50,000 people suddenly arrived in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, with the leader of Ceuta saying the influx was "at least encouraged or permitted" by Rabat, according to The Guardian. Spain's interior ministry reported that 48,300 of these individuals were sent back to Morocco.

In response to the crisis, Spain plans to build a 1,600-foot containment fence around Ceuta, as reported by CBS News. The situation has sparked a political crisis across the EU, with some member states apportioning blame to Spain. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen described Morocco as "an important strategic partner" in stopping illegal migration, as stated by Channel News Asia.

The situation in Ceuta remains tense, although protesters and counterprotesters did disperse without major police intervention, according to Euronews. Le Monde English noted that the migration crisis has raised questions about Morocco's role and its challenge to Spain's sovereignty over Ceuta and another enclave, Melilla.

Brief written by urgent.news from Le Monde English, CBS News, Channel News Asia, Euronews, The Guardian — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.