Nordafrika-Exklave: Geheimdienst warnte vor Massenankunft von Migranten in Ceuta

The Spanish secret service CNI issued a warning to Ceuta authorities one day before a record mass arrival of migrants at the North African enclave in late July. This information was revealed in secret documents released by the Pedro Sánchez-led Madrid government. CNI notified Ceuta's government office and Guardia Civil police unit about social media calls for migrants to cross the border on the following day.

Two groups with a combined 180,000 followers were organized based on these warnings. CNI also informed Moroccan authorities of planned attempts to reach Ceuta by swimming or over the border fence. After the release of these documents, thousands of migrants continued to be in Ceuta. Around 80,000 migrants from Morocco arrived in Ceuta on July 30th and 31st, with most returning to Morocco.

The government released around 40 documents from the period between July 1st and August 1st. Sánchez claimed this showed the government was not warned of such a large influx. EU announced a multi-million euro aid package for Spain to manage the migration crisis in Ceuta, to boost border control and surveillance, and for humane accommodation of unaccompanied minors and return of undocumented migrants.

Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares called the announcement "fantastic" but said it could only be a first step. Albares highlighted Spain's desire for Ceuta to be included in the EU's customs union, acknowledging the eastern border faces military threats unlike any other. He also said the challenge at the Africa border would remain very high due to educational and income disparities between Africa and Europe, and additional substantial support should be considered.

Spain plans to request inclusion of Ceuta and Melilla in the EU customs union, a request not initially granted upon Spain's EU accession in 1986.