Morocco constructs new fence to tighten border security in Occupied City of Melilla

A year after the Melilla mass migration attempt, Morocco is currently erecting a fresh barrier along its border with the aim of enhancing security with the enclave.

According to a Moroccan security source cited by the Spanish EFE , the previous fence, which suffered damage during the immigrant storming, predominantly by Sudanese migrants, is being replaced by a new one.

The source revealed that the new fence is green in color and extends from the border post to the city of Nador, running parallel to another fence constructed by Spanish authorities along the Melilla border.

Concurrently, Madrid has engaged border control forces from various European countries in Ceuta, Melilla, Algeciras, and Tarifa as part of Operation Marhaba to prevent clandestine migration attempts.

These developments emerge one year after the tragic events in Melilla that resulted in the deaths of 23 Sudanese illegal immigrants.

Mohamed Benaissa, the head of the Northern Observatory for Human Rights, remarked that it is not merely about building a new barrier in the occupied city of Melilla. Rather, it involves reconstructing a section of a wall that was partially demolished due to damage sustained during the events of June 24, 2022, with the aim of preventing the influx of irregular migrants.

Benaissa, in an interview with Hespress, added that all the measures taken by countries to prevent cross-border migration have proven to be unsuccessful. He emphasized that migration is an inherent human phenomenon and a fundamental human right that cannot be entirely prevented.

Furthermore, Benaissa noted that such measures only serve to reduce certain aspects of migration while alternative forms and methods emerge. He referred to the nineties when attempts were made using wooden boats utilized for traditional fishing, prompting authorities to implement control measures. Consequently, people smuggling networks resorted to high-speed, lightweight inflatable boats that can be discreetly concealed. Other forms, such as the use of jet skis, also emerged.

“The issue we are confronting is an international humanitarian phenomenon, and the security approach alone fails to address it,” added the spokesperson.