Morocco’s Foreign Ministry stated that there is no evidence to support accusations 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 resulted in numerous deaths and sparked infighting among European Union members over migration.
While most have since returned, local officials and civil organizations report that over 100 people died. Thousands, including unaccompanied minors, remain in the enclave, living in makeshift camps or on the streets and beaches. Their presence has led to near-daily protests by residents who are dissatisfied with the Spanish government's handling of the crisis.
Spain's opposition parties have since criticized the government's relationship with Morocco, accusing 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?"
The ministry asserted that Morocco refuses to be used as a "pre-election political pawn" or made the "scapegoat in political score-settling." Spain is scheduled to hold national elections by mid-2027.
The Moroccan Foreign Ministry highlighted the close security, migration, and economic ties between Rabat and Madrid since Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez backed Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara in 2022.
On Wednesday, Spain declassified intelligence reports that had warned of potential "mass entries" by migrants into Ceuta just before the incident occurred. A declassified military intelligence document from July 30 stated 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."
Morocco does not recognize Spanish sovereignty over Ceuta or Melilla, the other autonomous Spanish enclave bordering Morocco.
