Social media fueled hopes of reaching Ceuta. DW meets Moroccans caught between no future at home and the risks ahead.
The Moroccan city of Fnideq is next to Spanish-controlled Ceuta. In Fnideq, would-be migrants dream of crossing to a better life, even as locals who witnessed recent mass migration surges say it's way too risky.
Fnideq, a city in Morocco, lies just a few kilometers from the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. However, the distance between those who dream of crossing the divide and those who choose to stay is much greater. After an estimated 72,000 people crossed from Morocco into Ceuta on July 30, there were calls on social media for another mass crossing attempt in mid-August.
Despite around 100 people dying in the July attempt and most of those who crossed since returning to Morocco, between 2,000 and 8,000 remain in Ceuta. These individuals live in desperate circumstances, often sleeping on the beach while waiting for Spanish authorities to decide their fate.
Malika, a mother of two, came to Fnideq from Casablanca after hearing about the successful crossing on July 30. She and her children now live on the streets, struggling to survive. Malika remains determined to reach Ceuta, hoping for better prospects for her family. Her husband, suffering from depression due to extreme poverty, has become increasingly distant, leaving her to care for their children alone.
Ahmed Amhid, a 22-year-old from Oued Zem, is in a better position. He arrived in Fnideq after hearing about the August crossing and is now selling drinks on the street. Ahmed feels there is no future for him in his hometown due to a lack of job opportunities and a deplorable economic situation. Many young people like Ahmed came to Fnideq because of what they saw on social media, believing that migration is the only way out.
Mohamed al-Dami, a 30-year-old from the border area, is not considering leaving Morocco despite the recent crossings. He acknowledges the unstable economic situation in Morocco but feels emigrating is not worth the risk. Al-Dami emphasizes that if someone can make a living and secure their future, it is acceptable; however, he does not believe risking one's life is necessary to achieve this.
Local merchants like Munir Hamdouch, a 34-year-old, have also never thought about emigrating. Although he admits things are not easy due to a decrease in tourism, he believes the city needs economic alternatives rather than migration. Civil society activist Mohamed Azzouz notes that Fnideq has changed from being a transit point for migrants to a base for those attempting to cross into Ceuta.
Written by urgent.news from DW News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
