Morocco: Migrants caught between Ceuta dreams and reality

Morocco's city of Fnideq sits just a few kilometers from the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. However, the distance between those who dream of crossing that border and those who remain in Morocco is vast. After July 30, when about 72,000 migrants crossed, there were calls on social media for another mass crossing attempt in mid-August.

Yet, around 100 people died in the July attempt, and most of those who crossed have since returned to Morocco. Between 2,000 and 8,000 have managed to reach Ceuta, living in dire conditions, sleeping on the beach as Spanish authorities decide their fate. Despite this, some are still hoping for a chance to cross.

Malika, a mother of two from Casablanca, Morocco, is among those who have stayed in Fnideq. She fears for her children's safety and has no stable income or home. She remains hopeful that they will find support in Ceuta. Another man, Ahmed Amhid, also hopes to cross, as he sees no future in his hometown due to lack of job opportunities and resources. He emphasizes the dire situation in Morocco, with no jobs, industries, or companies.

Local opinions in Fnideq vary, with some like Mohamed al-Dami remaining in Morocco due to personal reasons and others like Munir Hamdouch, who laments the lack of economic opportunities and the need for revival in his city. Despite security measures, some young people are still influenced by social media calls to cross, but most, including al-Dami, believe the risks outweigh the potential benefits.