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

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez denied any responsibility of Moroccan authorities in the recent migrant surge in Ceuta, a small Spanish enclave on the North African coast. He stated that the influx of migrants, which reached over 70,000 in late July, is still under investigation. The prime minister urged against distrust towards Morocco and emphasized that the crisis can only be resolved through cooperation.

The crisis, which left scores dead, has fueled tensions in the EU over migration. Although most migrants returned to Morocco shortly after their arrival, thousands remain in Ceuta, living on the streets. Sanchez assured that no intelligence information allowed for a clear assessment of the crisis' scale and seriousness on July 30 and 31.

He also dismissed allegations of Moroccan involvement in the crisis, stating that no intelligence service had suggested such involvement. Disinformation campaigns, particularly from ultra-right groups, had spread false claims about the ruling that irregular migrants cannot be immediately returned to Morocco. Spain's government faces pressure from the conservative opposition and far-right parties to return all migrants, including minors, to Morocco, while Ceuta's leaders claim the number of migrants is at least 10,000.

The government plans to make 6,000 spaces available at reception centers for verification before possible returns to Morocco and has pledged an additional €168 million in aid to address the crisis.