Below is the full statement issued by the official spokesperson for the Ministry of the Interior regarding the recent incidents at crossing points leading to the cities of Ceuta and Melilla:
Following recent incidents at the crossing points leading to the cities of Ceuta and Melilla, the Ministry of the Interior confirms that collected and analyzed data indicate these incidents were not the result of temporary or spontaneous factors. Instead, they stemmed from the interaction of several interconnected factors, primarily: the malicious exploitation of digital platforms, the dissemination of misleading information, the role of human trafficking networks, and the misinterpretation of legal and administrative information designed to create the illusion of easy access to European territory without legal consequences.
Aware of the nature and indicators of these developments, public authorities adopted a proactive and comprehensive approach from the earliest stages. This approach involved early detection of various indicators, heightened vigilance and mobilization, strengthened preparedness of security services and territorial authorities, and intensified land and maritime surveillance. This enabled authorities to contain the situation, protect human lives, preserve public order, and secure the borders, in strict compliance with the law and the principle of proportionality in intervention.
Precise statistical data available to the competent authorities, based on surveillance and field monitoring systems deployed at the departure points of those involved in these irregular crossing attempts, established the actual number of people concerned. Approximately 40,000 people headed toward Ceuta and around 1,135 people headed toward Melilla. All who reached Melilla were immediately returned. These figures are based on precise statistical and field data collected through approved technical surveillance and monitoring mechanisms, making them the official reference, unlike certain circulating figures that lack reliable data or objective evidence.
In this context, particular attention has been drawn to recent decisions by Spanish judicial authorities restricting the immediate return procedure for certain irregular migrants intercepted at sea. These decisions, coupled with inaccurate interpretations and misleading information, led some individuals attempting the crossing to believe they could avoid immediate return. This contributed to a specific pattern of irregular migration attempts involving swimming, which some perceived as offering a greater chance of avoiding immediate return.
To date, these incidents have resulted in:
- One accidental death following a fall from a rocky area adjacent to the city of Ceuta.
- 10 deaths by drowning.
This reality demonstrates that the short distance to be crossed (less than 70 meters) and its relatively shallow depth (not exceeding just over two meters at certain points) created a misleading impression among some participants that the crossing was easy. This prompted them to underestimate the risks and undertake attempts, some of which ended tragically.
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Regarding reports of additional deaths in the city of Ceuta, Moroccan authorities continue, through official channels of cooperation and coordination with their Spanish counterparts, to verify the accuracy of this information, as well as the actual number of people concerned, their identities, and nationalities. This is to complete the necessary legal, administrative, and humanitarian procedures.
Concurrently, the individuals concerned were able to return under the existing cooperation framework with the Spanish side and in accordance with current procedures, through the opening of crossing points to those wishing to return voluntarily. This contributed to the gradual restoration of normal conditions in the area.
It should also be noted that the competent Public Prosecutor’s Office has opened judicial investigations, within the framework of its legal powers, into all acts and incidents related to these events. The aim is to determine all circumstances, establish responsibilities, and draw the necessary legal consequences in accordance with the provisions of the law.
While reiterating that migration management can only be addressed through a comprehensive approach based on shared responsibility, effective solidarity, and burden-sharing, the Ministry of the Interior stresses that the Kingdom of Morocco will continue, as it has always done with its partners, to be a reliable and responsible partner committed to strengthening international cooperation and coordination in combating irregular migration and human trafficking. At the same time, it will spare no effort in taking all necessary measures to protect public order, preserve border security, and ensure the safety of people and property, in full respect of the rule of law and the Kingdom’s national and international commitments.
