- Runaway online rumors sparked a frantic rush by migrants to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, with estimates indicating that between 50,000 and 60,000 migrants breached the frontier from Morocco earlier this week.
- As migrants reached the shores of Ceuta, mass chaos erupted at a narrow concrete breakwater where many tried to climb onto land, leading to a tragic death toll of at least 72 people on the Spanish side and 11 on the Moroccan side.
- Morocco has stated that Spain should have foreseen the migration impact of a court ruling that weakened deterrents against illegal migration, contributing to the mass crossings into Ceuta.
- Online misinformation played a significant role in the migrant rush, with social media posts claiming the border was open, leading many to believe they could cross into Spain.
- Moroccan authorities have attributed the migration wave to the exploitation of the digital sphere and the spread of misinformation, although they provided no evidence for this claim.
- Ceuta officials had warned the Spanish government of a surge in arrivals before the massive crush occurred, but the Spanish Interior Ministry stated it had not received any reports regarding the mass arrival of people.
A surge of migrants from Morocco to Ceuta was fueled by rampant online rumors claiming the border was open, resulting in chaos and a tragic death toll of at least 72. The Spanish government reported that between 50,000 and 60,000 migrants breached the border, with many returning home due to lack of resources.5
In the aftermath, Moroccan officials attributed the crisis to the “exploitation of the digital sphere” and misinformation, while Spain's Interior Ministry denied receiving any prior warnings about the influx. “The message became just cross and you will be protected,” a senior Moroccan official stated, referencing a recent court ruling that weakened migration deterrents.
The chaotic scenes at the border included migrants scrambling over slick rocks, leading to tragic incidents. “I stepped on the face of a dead man while I was climbing out,” recounted Lahcen Kalouch, a migrant who reached Ceuta before returning home distraught. “There are no mafias. The border was open, and I crossed. But now I regret it,” said 17-year-old Omar Danbor, who also made the perilous journey.
Moroccan authorities reported that about 40,000 people entered Ceuta, while estimates suggest 69,500 migrants have since returned. The crisis has reignited discussions on migration policies, with both countries blaming human smugglers and trafficking networks for the mass crossings.8
Ceuta Regional President Juan Jesus Vivas accused Rabat of having “encouraged and permitted” the influx, while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned against using irregular migration to pressure EU member states. “It is up to Spain to find a solution to restore deterrence,” the Moroccan official concluded.
“At least 72 died on the Spanish side and 11 on the Moroccan side, and tens of thousands of migrants had returned to Morocco by Sunday. Ceuta officials say they had warned Spain before the rush; the Spanish Interior Ministry says it received no warning.”
AP News
