🔴 No 'solid proof' Morocco planned Ceuta migrant rush, says Spanish PM Sanchez

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez declared on Thursday that there is no solid evidence Morocco intentionally orchestrated the massive migrant influx into Ceuta last July. This denial came after a police report revealed numerous shortcomings by Moroccan security forces during the incident. However, Sanchez criticized the Moroccan government's recent statements regarding Ceuta, marking a rare public rebuke of its neighbor.

Sanchez urged King Felipe VI to visit Ceuta and Melilla, two Spanish territories in North Africa, in a gesture that could potentially heighten tensions with Morocco. Over 70,000 migrants crossed into Ceuta from Morocco between July 30 and 31, 2022, resulting in several deaths primarily due to drowning attempts. The leftist government has generally refrained from blaming Morocco, with which it has been seeking to mend relations for years, particularly concerning the status of Ceuta and Melilla.

A police report obtained by AFP indicated that Moroccan police responded with a "total permissiveness," allowing migrants to approach the water, thereby facilitating the influx. The report, based on satellite imagery, open-source videos, and migrant testimonies, noted that there were significantly fewer police officers at the border post than usual, and they failed to prevent the large-scale surge.

During a parliamentary session, Sanchez stated that no police, legal, or international bodies had presented solid proof to the Spanish government that Morocco had planned or executed the incident. He emphasized that his government is not afraid to confront other foreign powers if necessary. Additionally, Sanchez denounced two Moroccan government ministers' "unacceptable" comments about Ceuta and Melilla, leading to Spain summoning Morocco's ambassador on August 21.

Moroccan media reported that Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi in August stated that Morocco had historical and geographical rights over Ceuta and Melilla, calling for a final solution to return the territories to Morocco. Despite most migrants returning to Morocco, thousands remain in Ceuta, causing local tensions as they struggle to survive on the streets.

Thousands protested in Ceuta and across Spain against the leftist government's management of the crisis, with the conservative and far-right opposition attacking Sanchez for perceived subservience to Rabat.

Some analysts suggested that Morocco might have utilized the migrant surge to apply political pressure on Spain following his July visit to Algeria, a historical enemy. The Western Sahara dispute also plays a role in the tension, with Morocco controlling the former Spanish colony claimed by the pro-independence Polisario Front. However, Spain reversed its neutral stance in 2022, backing Morocco's autonomy plan for the territory, which has angered Algeria.

Sanchez defended the plea for King Felipe VI to visit Ceuta and Melilla, emphasizing the need for the city's state support.