Protesters set fire to migrant camp in Ceuta

Demonstrators in Ceuta set a migrant camp ablaze and engaged in a confrontation with law enforcement on Thursday. The outbreak of violence follows a mass exodus of migrants from Morocco to Ceuta, a Spanish territory in North Africa, one month ago. Spanish television footage captured protesters on a beach tossing items into the flames.

Police officers attempted to halt the demonstrators, while migrants sought refuge on a pier. Earlier that day, around 70 individuals pelted a military vehicle with stones and other projectiles. A Ceuta police spokesperson informed the AFP news agency of the incident. Local protesters intervened to prevent Red Cross vehicles from delivering food to the beach.

Individuals holding Spanish flags chanted "They should leave" and "Out with the Red Cross." In July, over 70,000 migrants entered Ceuta illegally, hoping to reach Europe. Most have since returned to Morocco, but several thousand remain, living on the streets or beach. Spain's government in Madrid reports a figure of under 7,000, while Ceuta officials claim at least 10,000.

Ceuta's population stands at approximately 84,000. The Spanish government faces mounting pressure over the Ceuta situation. The opposition accuses Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez of inaction and abandonment of Ceuta residents. Madrid has accelerated efforts to identify migrants and determine who will be sent back to Morocco. The government also allocated additional funds to assist unaccompanied minors who are entitled to special protection.

The crisis occurs prior to upcoming general elections, deepening political divisions in Spain. The opposition advocates for a more stringent approach to migration. The July mass influx also sparked tensions within the EU regarding how to respond to Ceuta's situation.