Analysis of Recent Migration Events

In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Following the recent events witnessed at the crossing points leading to

the cities of Ceuta and Melilla, the Ministry of the Interior confirms that the various data collected and analyzed

revealed that these events were not the result of situational or spontaneous factors, but rather came

as a result of the interaction of several overlapping factors, foremost of which is

the malicious exploitation of the digital space, the promotion of misleading information, the role of human trafficking gangs, and the misinterpretation of legal and administrative data

aimed at creating the illusion of the possibility of accessing European territory easily and without legal consequences

Aware of the nature of these developments and their indicators, the public authorities initiated, from the early stages, the implementation of a proactive and comprehensive approach

based on the early monitoring of various indicators, raising the levels of vigilance and mobilization, and enhancing the readiness of various security services

and local authorities, and intensifying land and sea surveillance, which made it possible to control the situation

protecting lives, maintaining public order, and securing borders, with strict adherence to the provisions of the law and respect for the principle of proportionality in intervention

Accurate statistical data has enabled

the competent authorities, based on approved monitoring and field tracking systems,

at the departure points of those attempting irregular crossings, to determine the actual number of people involved,

which reached about 40,000 people heading towards the city of Ceuta,

and about 1,135 people heading towards Melilla, where all those who managed to reach Melilla were immediately returned.

This toll is based on accurate statistical and field data being collected according to approved technical mechanisms

for tracking and monitoring, making it the approved reference, unlike some circulated figures that are not based on reliable data or objective grounds.

In this context, the recent decisions issued by the Spanish judicial authorities stood out in particular.

regarding restricting the possibility of immediate return for some irregular migrants intercepted at sea

These decisions, along with the accompanying misinterpretations and misleading information, have reinforced a belief

among some aspiring to cross that they can avoid immediate return, which contributed to the emergence of a single pattern of irregular migration attempts

consisting of swimming across, as it was believed by some to offer a greater chance of evading immediate return

To date, these events have resulted in the recording of one accidental death

due to a fall from a rocky area near the city of Ceuta, in addition to ten deaths caused by drowning

This reality reveals that the short distance of less than 70 meters and its limited depth

which in some points does not exceed much more than two meters, has created a misleading sense of ease among many participants

crossing, prompting them to downplay the risks and make attempts, some of which ended in tragic consequences.

As for what is being circulated regarding the registration of other deaths in the city of Ceuta,

the Moroccan authorities continue, within official cooperation and coordination with their Spanish counterparts, the process of verifying this data, the actual number of people involved, their identities, and nationalities,

in order to complete the required legal, administrative, and humanitarian procedures.

In parallel, those concerned are being enabled to return within the framework of the ongoing cooperation with the Spanish side,

and in accordance with the procedures in force, by opening the crossings to those wishing to return of their own free will,

which contributed to facilitating the gradual return of the situation in the region to its normal pace.

It should also be noted that the competent public prosecution has initiated, within its legal jurisdiction, the opening of

Judicial investigations into the various acts and events associated with these incidents, in order to determine all circumstances, identify responsibilities, and establish legal consequences in accordance with the provisions of the law.

While the Ministry of the Interior reiterates that managing the phenomenon of migration can only be done within a comprehensive approach

based on shared responsibilities, actual solidarity, and burden-sharing, it emphasizes that the Kingdom of Morocco will remain, as its partners have always known it, a reliable, responsible, and committed partner

to strengthening international cooperation and coordination in combating irregular migration and human trafficking.

At the same time, it has spared no effort in taking all necessary measures to protect public order,

safeguard border security, and ensure the safety of people and property within the framework of the rule of law and respect for the Kingdom's national and international obligations.