Migration Crisis in Ceuta: A Desperate Journey

Ceuta, Spain (AP) — Abdulah Buji, upon learning of the breach in the border, raced on his motorcycle from his home in northern Morocco to Ceuta. He joined tens of thousands attempting to swim to the tiny Spanish enclave in North Africa.

Buji, like many others, was fueled by the hope of opening the door to his dream of reaching Spain and starting anew in Europe. He emphasized the opportunity for a brighter future in Spain compared to Morocco. He said, “Spain gives you the chance to build your future, not like Morocco.” The 21-year-old aspiring teacher described himself as talented and voiced the desire for a chance to prove himself.

However, his excitement quickly turned into disappointment as he realized he was far from achieving his goal. The European mainland lay across the Mediterranean and neither he nor the other newcomers were welcomed. Spanish authorities ordered them to turn back or face potential expulsion.

“I came close to being one of more than 50 who died trying to swim to Ceuta,” Buji reflected on his risky journey crossing the border fence. While he made it to Spanish soil, he lost his belongings and money. He soon faced a legal limbo and possible detention, prompting a return.

Buji lamented, “I have been perhaps studying for 14 years but there is nothing at home. I would have to work 12-hour shifts for miserable pay.” His search for opportunities in Ceuta ended fruitlessly, and he decided to head back.

Humanitarian Crisis Triggered by the Migrant Wave

Of the 60,000 people crossing between Thursday and Friday morning, roughly 45,000 returned to Moroccan soil in hours. Many spent nights on Ceuta’s streets, amid alarmed locals and armed Spanish police and soldiers.

The influx represented about 70% of Ceuta’s resident population, prompting authorities to call in police and military assistance to restore order. Residents were concerned about the thousands of primarily young men roaming street to street.

Ceuta recalled a smaller migration crisis in 2021 when the Moroccan government eased border controls. This allowed thousands from Morocco and sub-Saharan countries to enter Ceuta over two days. This instance, however, brought greater humanitarian challenges.

The Drive: Desperation and Support for Families

As reports and videos spread on social media depicting migrants arriving in Ceuta, more people moved northward to reach EU territory. Train stations in Rabat, the capital of Morocco, and Casablanca, the largest city, overflowed with individuals trying to get to the Ceuta border. Local media showed police barring some from boarding trains and buses.

While the trigger for the influx remained unclear, social media was rife with encouragement for Moroccans to enter Ceuta days prior, noted Myriam Cherti, a principal researcher at Oxford University’s Center on Migration, Policy, and Society. Posts shared practical information on crossing and what to say to enhance the chances of being allowed to stay.

Cherti examined migrants whom she interviewed over the past year. They often couldn’t count the number of attempts to cross the border. She explained, “They do it out of desperation. They have tried other ways to build a life and failed. They do it because they feel obliged to help and support their families.” Success in reaching Spain made it possible, but the same couldn’t be said for staying in Morocco.

Ahmed Karim, 33, managed to cross into Ceuta. He remained unemployed, asserting that many Moroccans faced heightened problems due to the difficulty of leaving the country. He claimed that many aspirants aimed for Europe or America but lacked the means.

Looking for Loved Ones Amid the Chaos

However, not everyone crossed with plans of staying. Some were searching for lost relatives or loved ones and hoped they weren’t among the deceased.

Ikrra Khai, 33, regularly obtained temporary work permits for Spanish farms during harvest time. On Friday, she was in Ceuta searching for her best friend’s brother.

“I don’t know if he is dead or alive,” Khai expressed uncertainty. “I have his residence card. But I don’t know where he is. I’m looking for him.”

Wilson reported from Barcelona. The Associated Press journalists Danica Kirka in London and Akram Oubachir in Fnideq, Morocco, contributed to this report.