Officials attribute recent migration attempts to misinformation, trafficking networks, and legal misconceptions. The recent events at the border crossings leading to Sebta and Mellilia were not spontaneous incidents but the result of several interconnected factors, Morocco’s Ministry of the Interior said. Officials cited the manipulation of digital platforms, the spread of misinformation, human trafficking networks, and widespread misunderstandings of legal and administrative developments that fueled the false belief that European territory could be reached easily and without legal consequences.
Speaking during a press briefing in Rabat on Sunday, Ministry spokesperson Rachid El Khalfi said Moroccan authorities had anticipated the developments and responded with a proactive strategy based on early detection, heightened vigilance, and reinforced land and maritime surveillance. He said these measures enabled security forces to contain the situation, protect lives, preserve public order, and secure the country’s borders in accordance with the law and the principle of proportionality.
Using surveillance and monitoring systems at departure points, authorities determined that nearly 40,000 people headed toward Sebta, while approximately 1,135 attempted to reach Mellilia. El Khalfi noted that everyone who entered Mellilia was subsequently returned through cooperation with Spanish authorities, stressing that these figures are based on technical monitoring and are more reliable than unofficial estimates circulating online.
Legal Confusion Behind the Border Crossing Attempts
El Khalfi said recent rulings by Spanish judicial authorities concerning possible restrictions on the immediate return of migrants intercepted at sea were widely misinterpreted. According to the ministry, these legal misunderstandings encouraged many people to believe they could avoid immediate deportation, making swimming the preferred method of attempting to reach European territory.
He added that the perception was reinforced by the geography of the crossing points. In some locations, the distance separating Morocco from Sebta is less than 70 meters, with water depths of under two meters, creating a false impression that the crossing was relatively safe and easy.
According to the ministry, the incidents have so far resulted in one accidental death caused by a fall near Sebta and 10 drowning deaths. Regarding reports of additional fatalities in Sebta, El Khalfi said Moroccan authorities are working closely with their Spanish counterparts to verify the information, including the identities and nationalities of those concerned.
The spokesperson added that cooperation between Morocco and Spain, including the opening of border crossings for voluntary returns, helped restore normal conditions following the attempted crossings. He also confirmed that the Public Prosecutor’s Office has launched criminal investigations into the incidents.
The Ministry of the Interior reiterated that irregular migration can only be addressed through shared responsibility and international cooperation. It reaffirmed Morocco’s commitment to working with its partners to combat human trafficking and irregular migration while continuing to safeguard public order, strengthen border security, and uphold the rule of law.
- Source: MAP