Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has stated that intelligence agencies have found no evidence implicating the Moroccan government in the recent mass migration event at the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. He made these remarks during a radio interview earlier this week while addressing widespread speculation about Rabat’s involvement.
The border incident at the end of July resulted in approximately 70,000 people attempting to enter Ceuta, with as many as 141 deaths reported during the crossing. The event triggered a political crisis and humanitarian emergency while intensifying EU-wide debates surrounding immigration policy. Initial theories suggested Morocco may have deliberately orchestrated the crossing to protest Spain’s strengthening ties with Algeria.
Sánchez emphasized that maintaining cooperative relations with Morocco was essential for resolving the crisis and rejected conspiracy theories circulating on social media. He attributed false narratives to accounts linked with Russia, Israel, and international far-right groups that he claimed weaponize migration issues to target Spain and Europe more broadly. The Spanish leader argued that criminal organizations rather than government actors orchestrated the influx by promoting a false legal claim about immunity from deportation.
Israel’s foreign minister quickly denounced Sánchez’s statements as defamatory lies, while Russia denied involvement through media reports. Meanwhile, political opposition within Spain mounted criticism of the government’s response. The conservative People’s Party and far-right Vox party both attacked Sánchez’s handling of the situation, with the latter characterizing events as an invasion and act of war.
Approximately 5,000 people, including 1,200 minors, remained in Ceuta in rough conditions weeks after the initial crossing, most of the migrants having since returned to Morocco. Tensions persisted between some residents and authorities, with reports of property destruction and altercations involving migrants and Spanish personnel. Officials indicated that adequate accommodations would soon be available for those still present in the enclave.
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