Thousands of migrants still in Ceuta after border crisis, local leader says
Thousands of migrants remain in the Spanish exclave of Ceuta following a massive border crossing from Morocco. Local leaders have criticized the national government's response as insufficient while highlighting the humanitarian challenges of managing the influx.
Why it matters
The situation underscores the ongoing migration crisis at the EU's southern borders and the political friction between local and national authorities.
Figure caption, Watch: Migrants started to return to Morocco after thousands entered Spain's Ceuta on 30 July
Between 3,000 and 5,000 migrants remain in the Spanish territory of Ceuta following the arrival of many times that number of people last week, the north African exclave's leader has said.
Juan Jesús Vivas told the European Parliament of his "profound sorrow" over the "irreparable tragedy" of 100 deaths that had occurred after roughly 78,000 migrants from neighbouring Morocco arrived by sea in a matter of hours.
His comments come as new calls for mass crossings circulate on social media, according to Moroccan media.
The crisis has created tensions among EU nations who share open borders and has sparked criticism of the Spanish government.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in