Morocco blames criminal networks for mass migration attempts to Ceuta

Morocco has blamed criminal trafficking networks for the recent mass migration attempts to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, stressing that the incidents do not reflect any policy or intention to encourage irregular migration. Moroccan officials said organized smuggling groups exploited vulnerable people and fueled dangerous crossings despite ongoing cooperation with Spain on border management.

According to diplomatic sources from the Moroccan Embassy in Madrid, cited by Europa Press, the latest attempts to enter Ceuta were orchestrated by criminal organizations involved in migrant smuggling and human trafficking. The sources said these networks prey on vulnerable individuals, create false expectations, and expose migrants to serious dangers during the journey.

The officials reiterated that Morocco neither supports nor promotes the irregular migration of its citizens. They argued that trafficking groups manipulate migrants for profit while placing their lives and safety at considerable risk.

The remarks followed several days of heightened migration activity at the Ceuta border. Hundreds of women, men, minors, and children attempted to reach the Spanish enclave through different routes. Some tried to swim to Ceuta, while others sought alternative crossing points.

Videos circulating on social media showed large groups of migrants in the water, including nighttime swimming attempts toward the enclave. Other footage showed people celebrating after reaching Spanish territory.

Moroccan diplomatic sources also suggested that criminal groups may have exploited a recent ruling by Spain’s Supreme Court concerning procedures for returning migrants intercepted at sea, encouraging more people to attempt the crossing.

Morocco emphasized that migration cooperation with Spain remains one of the strongest pillars of the strategic partnership between the two countries. Officials described bilateral cooperation as being based on mutual trust, shared responsibility, and close operational coordination.

The Moroccan government reaffirmed its role as a reliable strategic partner for both Spain and the European Union in managing migration flows. Authorities said they continue to intensify efforts to prevent irregular departures, dismantle trafficking networks, and strengthen operational cooperation with Spanish and European counterparts.

Morocco also reiterated its commitment to addressing migration challenges jointly with Spain while respecting human dignity, the rule of law, and the shared interests of both countries.

Meanwhile, Spain’s Interior Ministry announced that it would continue taking measures to protect citizens and safeguard the country’s borders. However, the ministry stated that the situation did not justify declaring a national emergency.

Rachid Sbihi, head of the association representing Spain’s Civil Guard officers in Ceuta, described the situation as “absolute chaos,” saying that thousands of migrants had attempted to cross the border and that border control systems had come under severe pressure.

According to Spanish news agency EFE, Morocco and Spain have reached an agreement to return all migrants who entered Ceuta during the recent crossings to Morocco.