MADRID, Spain: Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said the recent migrant crisis in Ceuta remains under investigation.
Sanchez made the remarks during a radio interview on Monday. He also rejected claims that Moroccan authorities were responsible for the influx.
More than 70,000 migrants entered Ceuta in late July. Many crossed from neighbouring Morocco by swimming or walking.
The sudden arrival created a major humanitarian and political crisis. It also increased tensions over migration within the European Union.
Most migrants returned to Morocco within hours. However, thousands remained in the Spanish enclave.
Ceuta covers about 18 square kilometres. Many migrants were forced to sleep outdoors after arriving in the territory.
Sanchez said Spanish intelligence agencies had provided reports before the crisis. However, none predicted the scale of the events on July 30 and 31.
“We are continuing to investigate,” Sanchez said during the interview.
Some analysts linked the crisis to tensions between Spain and Morocco. They suggested it could have been connected to the disputed Western Sahara issue.
Western Sahara was formerly a Spanish colony. Morocco controls most of the territory, while the Polisario Front seeks independence.
The group is backed by Algeria. Sanchez had also visited Algeria in July.
However, Sanchez rejected suggestions that Morocco had played a role. He said no intelligence service cooperating with Spain had indicated Moroccan involvement.
He stressed that cooperation with Morocco was necessary to resolve the crisis. He also warned against allowing mistrust to damage relations between the two countries.
Disinformation Spreads Online
Sanchez also accused far-right groups of spreading misinformation about the crisis.
Before the influx, Spain’s Supreme Court issued a ruling concerning irregular migrants arriving by sea.
False claims later circulated online about the ruling. Some posts claimed migrants who entered Ceuta by swimming could not be deported to Morocco.
Sanchez said the claim was incorrect. He also linked some misinformation to human trafficking networks.
He said further rumours appeared on social media after the July crisis. These claims were allegedly linked to Russia, Israel and international far-right networks.
The migrant situation has become a major political issue in Spain. Conservative and far-right parties are demanding the return of those who entered Ceuta.
The demands also include migrants who are minors.
The Spanish government estimates that between 3,500 and 7,000 migrants remain in Ceuta. However, the territory’s right-wing leaders put the figure at around 10,000.
Ceuta has about 80,000 residents. Local people have staged repeated demonstrations over security and hygiene concerns.
Sanchez said 6,000 spaces would soon be available at reception centres. Migrants must first have their status assessed by Spanish authorities.
Authorities will then determine whether they can be returned to Morocco.
The government also announced additional financial support for Ceuta. Sanchez pledged €168 million in aid to help the territory manage the crisis.
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The funding is expected to support measures addressing the humanitarian and social impact of the migrant influx.
