Morocco Increases Border Security Amid Warnings of New Mass Migration Attempts

The Moroccan Interior Ministry has increased security along its borders with the Spanish exclaves of Ceuta and Melilla to prevent a potential surge in irregular crossings. Authorities stated that they detected anonymous social media posts inciting collective illegal entry attempts, specifically claiming that the border between Fnideq and Ceuta would be open on August 15. Morocco has announced that legal proceedings will be taken against those spreading these messages and has already summoned a group of people for investigation.

This warning follows a mass migration event in late July. Reports on the scale of that event differ: the Spanish government estimated around 80,000 people entered the exclave, while Morocco estimated the number at 40,000. Another report cited approximately 72,000 arrivals. Death toll estimates also vary, with Spain reporting at least 80 deaths, Morocco recovering 11 bodies, and the Moroccan Association for Human Rights estimating at least 141 deaths.

Morocco is currently urging Spain to accelerate the return of unaccompanied minors who remain in Ceuta. Moroccan authorities emphasize that administrative and legal obstacles should be removed to return these children to their families. In related enforcement actions, Morocco recently sentenced seven taxi drivers to up to six months in prison and fined them for transporting people to the border, a move condemned by the national taxi union as harsh.