News In Frames: The long swim to Ceuta
The Spanish exclave of Ceuta experienced a massive surge of over 50,000 migrants crossing from Morocco, leading to a humanitarian emergency and the deployment of Spanish troops. While most migrants have been returned under bilateral agreements, the event has sparked political debate regarding border sovereignty and migration policy.
Why it matters
This crisis highlights the ongoing geopolitical challenges of migration management at the borders of the European Union and the complexities of EU-Morocco relations.
C euta, the Spanish exclave that shares borders with Morocco, witnessed its largest migrant surge in years last week. More than 50,000 migrants had rushed into the Spanish city since July 30, mostly by swimming or crossing on inner tubes and improvised flotation devices from Morocco.
Many arrived by inner tube with cell phones zipped in waterproof pouches, and upon reaching shore cheered for Spain and kissed the ground. For many others, the crossing turned deadly: at least 57 were reported dead, including people who drowned and others crushed while climbing the breakwater fence. The influx marked the largest arrival of migrants in Ceuta since 2021. Ceuta’s regional president declared an “absolute humanitarian and social emergency” and called on Madrid to send troops to reassert control. Spain’s left-leaning Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez rushed to the exclave on Friday and slammed the mass crossings as an attack on Spain’s sovereignty.
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