Morocco stated on Thursday that there is no evidence to support claims of its involvement in the massive influx of migrants into Spain’s North African exclave of Ceuta last month.
Over 70,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into Ceuta on July 30 and 31 in an unprecedented and chaotic surge that resulted in numerous fatalities and triggered internal disputes within the European Union regarding migration policies.
The Moroccan foreign ministry asserted that there are “no facts or reports proving any involvement by the Moroccan authorities.”
The ministry further stated that Rabat refuses to serve as the “scapegoat for political score-settling” in Spain.
This declaration represents the kingdom’s first official response to a Spanish police report that accused Moroccan security forces of “total permissiveness” during the mass crossing.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has consistently avoided attributing blame to Morocco, emphasizing that there is no “solid proof” that the North African nation orchestrated the migrant rush.
On Wednesday, Spain released declassified intelligence reports that had previously warned of potential “mass entries” by migrants into Ceuta just prior to the incident.
A declassified military intelligence document from July 30 indicates that it is “highly likely that the Moroccan authorities are not actively encouraging the migratory wave, but have so far acted in a negligent and passive manner.”
However, Sanchez stated on X on Wednesday that based on the available information, “no one could have foreseen the migration crisis that unfolded.”
Instead, Morocco’s foreign ministry criticized Spain’s management of the crisis.
The ministry questioned, “Why are illegal migrants not being turned back when the Moroccan government has officially agreed to readmit them?”
It also asked, “Why are unaccompanied minors being kept away from their families when Morocco has urgently requested their return?”
“The answer to these questions is not to be found in Morocco, but rather with the relevant Spanish stakeholders,” the ministry concluded.
Despite the tensions, Rabat described the crisis as “regrettable” and stated that the events required “a thorough examination” to establish the circumstances and “ensure that they do not happen again.”
The ministry also emphasized the significance of its relationship with Madrid, noting that Morocco has chosen to pursue relations based on “good neighbourliness, political understanding, economic partnership, and security cooperation.”
Morocco additionally highlighted that Spain remains its leading economic partner.
Most of the migrants who entered Ceuta have since returned to Morocco, but thousands remain in often dire living conditions, heightening tensions in the small city and creating a political crisis for the government.
The EU announced on Wednesday that it is providing Spain with €115 million ($130 million) in emergency aid to strengthen border security and facilitate returns.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
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