Key facts
- Instagram accounts are reportedly offering paid advice for migrants to cross from Morocco to Ceuta.
- These accounts allegedly use the term 'Haraga' to describe the perilous journey.
- The accounts are accused of manipulating social media algorithms to attract migrants.
- They allegedly portray the dangerous trip as easy and safe.
- This activity is contributing to a recent influx of migrants and diplomatic tensions.
- Spain and Morocco have significantly reinforced the border of Ceuta.
- Fears of a new mass migrant incursion have been heightened.
- Viral social media posts proposed a crossing on Spain's national holiday, August 15.
- The online promotion of the 'Haraga' journey is seen as a significant factor.
A network of Instagram accounts is reportedly promoting the dangerous journey from Morocco to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, offering paid advice for migrants attempting to cross. These accounts, many of which use the term 'Haraga' to describe the perilous crossing, are accused of manipulating social media algorithms to attract potential migrants. They allegedly portray the dangerous trip as easy and safe, contributing to a recent influx of people and escalating diplomatic tensions between Spain and Morocco. The social media activity has coincided with fears of a new mass migrant incursion.