Key facts
- Over 48,300 migrants have returned to Morocco from Ceuta.
- Approximately 50,000 migrants entered the Spanish exclave of Ceuta.
- Spain confirmed at least 72 migrant deaths during the crossings.
- Morocco's interior ministry reported 11 migrant deaths.
- The migrant surge reportedly began after social media messages claimed the border was open.
- The situation in Ceuta is described as normalizing.
- The influx caused diplomatic tension within the EU over Spanish border policies.
- Residents of Ceuta remain indignant about the situation.
- Far-right leader Santiago Abascal visited Ceuta and criticized the Spanish government.
The Spanish exclave of Ceuta is experiencing a normalization of its migrant situation, with authorities reporting that over 48,300 of the approximately 50,000 migrants who entered have returned to Morocco. The surge of arrivals, which began after social media messages suggested the border was open, has subsided, leading to a calmer situation on the ground. However, the crisis has caused diplomatic tension within the European Union concerning Spanish border policies.
Conflicting reports have emerged regarding the number of migrant deaths during the crossings. Spain's authorities confirmed at least 72 deaths, a figure sharply contrasted by Morocco's interior ministry, which reported 11 migrant deaths. The influx of migrants also led to indignation among the residents of Ceuta.
In the wake of the crisis, far-right leader Santiago Abascal visited Ceuta. He accused the Spanish government of being subservient to Morocco, highlighting the political ramifications of the border situation. The situation is described as normalizing, with the majority of migrants having departed the Spanish territory.