Morocco has rejected accusations that it helped facilitate a mass migrant crossing into Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta.
More than 70,000 migrants entered Ceuta from neighbouring Morocco on July 30 and 31, according to Al Jazeera, citing AFP and Reuters.
The unprecedented surge left more than 100 people dead, according to local officials and civil organisations.
Most migrants have since returned. However, thousands, including unaccompanied minors, reportedly remain in Ceuta.
Morocco denies role in Ceuta migrant crisis
Morocco’s Foreign Ministry said there was no evidence that authorities had helped organise or encourage the crossings.
The ministry questioned accusations against Rabat and said Morocco should not become a political target ahead of Spain’s next national election.
It also said the Moroccan government had offered to readmit migrants.
In addition, Rabat called for unaccompanied Moroccan minors to be returned to their families.
Spanish intelligence report raises questions
The Moroccan statement came as Spain released intelligence reports about the crisis.
One declassified military intelligence document, dated July 30, assessed that Moroccan authorities were probably not actively encouraging the crossings.
However, the document said authorities had acted in what it described as a negligent and passive manner.
The assessment therefore stopped short of accusing Morocco of orchestrating the surge.
Thousands remain in Ceuta
Thousands of migrants are reported to remain in Ceuta.
Some are living in temporary camps. Others have been staying on streets and beaches.
The situation has also triggered protests among residents over the Spanish government’s handling of the crisis.
Meanwhile, opposition parties in Spain have questioned Madrid’s relationship with Morocco.
Morocco and Spain maintain close ties
Morocco and Spain cooperate closely on security, migration and trade.
Relations improved after Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez backed Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara in 2022.
However, Ceuta remains a sensitive issue between the two countries.
Morocco does not recognise Spanish sovereignty over Ceuta or Melilla, Spain’s other autonomous enclave bordering Morocco.
The latest migrant crisis has once again placed migration and border cooperation at the centre of relations between Rabat and Madrid.