Spanish Government Urges Restraint Amid Escalating Tensions in Ceuta

Spain’s Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska appealed for restraint on Friday after clashes erupted between residents of the North African enclave of Ceuta and police during demonstrations against migrants who have remained in the territory following a recent surge in arrivals.

The situation has escalated since mid-July, when over 60,000 migrants entered Ceuta over several days, prompting a Europe-wide migration alert. While the Spanish government estimates that most have since departed, thousands continue to inhabit the streets and beaches of the 18.5-square-kilometer territory.

Recent demonstrations intensified Thursday, with confrontations occurring near a beach where migrants have been camping. Protesters reportedly damaged property and set fire to personal belongings. In a separate incident, migrants hurled stones at soldiers, wounding one individual, and 12 Moroccan nationals were detained. Additional arrests followed after migrants assaulted a police officer.

“I call for calm and an end to any form of violence, because violence is not the way to resolve any problem with the complexity of this situation,” Grande-Marlaska stated in parliament.

Local authorities emphasized that while peaceful demonstrations demanding a return to normalcy are legitimate, acts of vandalism will face consequences. Ceuta’s head of government, Juan Vivas, stated, “We totally reject the use of any kind of violence. No one can or should take the law into their own hands.”

Political tensions have deepened, with right and far-right parties pressuring the government to expel all migrants. The interior minister accused these groups of promoting hostility and escalation. Authorities continue processing individuals to assess asylum claims, with special safeguards for unaccompanied minors, while recognizing Ceuta and Melilla as Europe’s sole land border with Africa.

(FRANCE 24 with AFP)

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