Protesters set fire to migrant camp in Ceuta

On Thursday, protesters in Ceuta set a migrant camp ablaze and engaged in confrontations with law enforcement. This disturbance follows a surge of migrants from Morocco to Ceuta, a Spanish territory in North Africa, one month prior. Video footage broadcasted by Spanish media depicted demonstrators on a beach hurling objects into the flames.

Police officers attempted to restrain the protesters, while migrants sought safety on a pier. Earlier in the day, around 70 individuals launched stones and other items at a military vehicle, according to a Ceuta police spokesperson. Local protesters obstructed Red Cross vehicles attempting to deliver food to the migrants on the beach.

Participants brandishing Spanish flags chanted "They should leave" and "Out with the Red Cross." In July, over 70,000 migrants entered Ceuta illegally, anticipating passage to the European mainland; however, most have since returned to Morocco, though several thousand remain in Ceuta, residing on the streets or beach. Spain's government in Madrid estimates around 7,000, whereas Ceuta officials claim at least 10,000.

The city's population stands at approximately 84,000. Spain's conservative opposition is criticizing Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez for not intervening and abandoning Ceuta's residents. Madrid has expedited efforts to identify migrants and determine their return to Morocco. The government has also allocated additional funds to assist unaccompanied minors who qualify for special protection.

This crisis occurs ahead of general elections next year, intensifying political divisions in Spain. The conservative opposition advocates for a more stringent approach to migration. The influx in July also sparked tension within the EU regarding the response to Ceuta's situation.