Moroccan authorities thwart Sub-Saharan migrants entry into Ceuta

In a pre-dawn operation, Moroccan authorities successfully prevented a group of nearly one hundred Sub-Saharan migrants from reaching Ceuta, as reported by El Faro de Ceuta. 

The incident occurred around 4:30 AM, and this group came closer to the border than in a similar attempt made by another group of migrants on Monday.

The migrants had made their way towards the Beliones cemetery area, with the intention of crossing into the border zone, but Moroccan forces ultimately managed to regain control of the situation.

The same source said that the Civil Guard was deployed to the scene but refrained from direct intervention. 

Sub-Saharan communities pursuing entry through this route are driven by increasing desperation due to the impending winter and the pressing need to leave their current temporary locations.

Their nighttime gatherings in the surrounding mountains precede each attempt to approach the border fence, underscoring the growing urgency of their situation.

It’s important to highlight that Morocco has significantly bolstered security along the stretch connecting Beliones to Benzú, utilizing a combination of increased personnel and concertina wire to fortify the beach area and restrict access to the road.

Morocco’s consistent deployment of its diverse units is primarily aimed at proactively preventing such incidents.

The collaborative alert system ensures that any noteworthy developments are promptly conveyed to Spain. In this specific case, reports were received concerning the accumulation of migrant groups attempting to cross into Ceuta.

Statistics, sourced from the Spanish Ministry of the Interior, show that irregular immigration in Spain saw a notable decline of 25.6% in 2022, with arrivals dropping from 41,945 in 2021 to 31,219. 

Despite the overall reduction in irregular immigration, the report highlights that the number of unauthorized entries via land routes through Ceuta and Melilla increased by 4.49% compared to the previous year. 

Among the 20,055 migrants who entered through land routes in 2022, 1,116 arrived through Ceuta (marking an increase of 363 compared to 2021), and 1,175 entered through Melilla (a rise of 83 from the previous year).