Spain’s Sanchez rules out responsibility of Morocco in migrant surge

MADRID: Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Monday that the recent influx of migrants to Ceuta, a Spanish enclave in North Africa, is still under investigation. However, he ruled out any responsibility on the part of Moroccan authorities. The crisis, which saw over 70,000 migrants enter Ceuta in late July, leaving scores dead and sparking tensions in the EU over migration, is ongoing.

While most migrants returned to Morocco within hours, thousands remain in the 18 square km territory. Sanchez assured that the National Intelligence Centre and police are continuing to investigate the situation. Some analysts suggested the crisis might be a message sent to Spain by Morocco over the disputed Western Sahara, but the prime minister denied this, stating that no intelligence service had suggested any involvement of Moroccan authorities.

The prime minister emphasized the need for cooperation in resolving the crisis, not distrust towards Morocco. Disinformation regarding the legality of deporting irregular migrants to Morocco spread rapidly online, including by human trafficking groups and international ultra-right parties. Spain's government is facing demands from the conservative opposition and far-right parties to return all migrants, including minors, to Morocco.

The left-wing government has estimated between 3,500 to 7,000 migrants remain in Ceuta, while Ceuta's right-wing leaders claim it could be up to 10,000. Ceuta's residents have regularly protested over security and hygiene issues linked to the influx. Sanchez announced that 6,000 spaces at reception centers would soon be available for migrants whose status must be verified by Spanish authorities before any possible return to Morocco. He also pledged an additional €168 million in aid for Ceuta to tackle the crisis.