Morocco boosts security at Ceuta border amid fears of new migrant influx

Moroccan authorities have strengthened security along the border with Spain’s North African territory of Ceuta after social media calls for another mass migrant crossing on 15 August.

Security measures increased

Morocco’s Interior Ministry said on Wednesday that authorities had taken measures to prevent attempts to cross into Ceuta illegally.

Ministry spokesman Rachid El Khalfi said security forces were prepared to intercept people attempting to participate in another mass crossing.

Social media calls spread

The security operation follows renewed calls on social media encouraging migrants to head towards the border. Online posts have claimed that the crossing between the Moroccan town of Fnideq and Ceuta would be opened on 15 August.

Similar messages are also encouraging people to attempt crossings into Melilla, another Spanish autonomous city on Morocco’s northern coast.

Previous mass crossing

The latest concerns come weeks after around 72,000 people, mostly Moroccans, entered Ceuta irregularly over several days. Most of those who crossed have since been returned to Morocco.

The previous influx was also linked to a social media campaign encouraging people to attempt the journey.

Legal action planned

Moroccan authorities said legal proceedings would be brought against people spreading messages encouraging irregular migration.

The government has urged people not to respond to online calls for mass crossings as security forces increase their presence along the border.

Children remain in Ceuta

Ceuta authorities estimate that around 2,000 migrants remain in the territory, including approximately 1,000 unaccompanied minors.

Under Spanish law, the children cannot simply be deported. Morocco has called on Spain to accelerate procedures for returning them.

Deaths reported

At least 80 people died during the mass crossing in July, according to official figures. Human rights organisations have reported a higher death toll.

EU border under pressure

Ceuta and Melilla are Spain’s two autonomous territories on the North African coast and form the European Union’s only land borders with Africa.

The latest security measures highlight the continuing pressure on Spain and Morocco to manage migration while preventing further dangerous attempts to cross the border.