Morocco denies involvement in migrant surge into Spain’s Ceuta

Morocco’s Foreign Ministry says there is no evidence of Rabat’s involvement in the mass migrant crossing into Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta in July.

More than 70,000 migrants entered Ceuta from nearby Morocco on July 30 and 31 in an unprecedented surge that left scores dead and sparked European Union infighting over migration.

While most have ⁠since returned, more than 100 people died , according to local officials and civil organisations.

Local authorities say thousands – including unaccompanied minors – remain in the enclave where they are living in makeshift camps or on the streets and beaches. Their presence has fuelled near-daily protests by residents angry at the Spanish ‌government’s handling of the crisis.

Spain’s opposition parties have since targeted the government’s relationship with Morocco and accused Rabat of facilitating or orchestrating the crossing.

“Why continue to level accusations against Morocco when no evidence, facts, or reports establish any involvement on the part of Moroccan authorities?” the ministry said in a statement on Thursday.

“Why are illegal migrants ⁠not being returned, even though the Moroccan government has ⁠officially committed to readmitting them? Why are unaccompanied minors being kept away from their families, when Morocco has urgently requested their return?” it added.

The ministry asserted that Morocco refuses to ⁠be used as a “pre-election political pawn”, nor does it accept being made the “scapegoat in political score-settling”. Spain will hold national elections by mid-2027.