Spain's Prime Minister Denies Morocco Orchestrated Ceuta Border Surge

The Story

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stated Thursday that Spain has no solid evidence whatsoever that Morocco planned or facilitated the mass border breach into its north African territory of Ceuta in July. His address to parliament followed nationwide protests on Wednesday, September 2, where tens of thousands demonstrated against his government's handling of the crisis. Authorities reported 50,000 protesters in Madrid alone, with some carrying signs reading "Sánchez to prison" and "Invaders go home!" Violence erupted after the main Madrid protest, with gunshots and explosions audible. Sánchez acknowledged a police report, commissioned by a judge and widely quoted in media, which claimed Moroccan border forces actively aided about 70,000 people to cross in late July. The report alleged total permissiveness by Moroccan security forces, with some officers directing migrants towards the water. Sánchez rejected these findings, stating no institution, including the European Commission or international bodies, provided solid evidence of Moroccan planning or execution. He did say Morocco's Gendarmerie police allowed crossings during a key 10-hour period on July 30, but Spanish authorities have not determined if this was due to inaction or inability. Sánchez also denied receiving any advance warnings of the mass breach, saying no reports anticipated the scale or probability of what eventually happened. He accused Russian and Israeli social media networks, in conjunction with far-right networks, of spreading disinformation that helped trigger the migrant surge. Spain summoned Morocco's ambassador on August 21 due to unacceptable statements made by two Moroccan ministers regarding Ceuta and Melilla. Sánchez indicated that cooperation with Morocco on border issues has to be different after the incident. More than a month after an estimated 70,000 to 80,000 people crossed into Ceuta over a 48-hour period in late July, thousands of migrants remain, including an estimated 1,200 to 1,400 unaccompanied children. Ceuta's Chief Prosecutor Silvia Rojas reported 23 sexual assaults, including nine against children, since the influx. Residents have torn down and burned makeshift migrant shelters. An estimated 57 to 140 people died during the crossing, mostly by drowning. 22 EU governments criticized Sánchez's response, and Italy suspended its Schengen arrangements with Spain.

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