Spain has praised Morocco for successfully stopping several recent attempts by migrants to illegally cross into Spanish territories, particularly at the border of Ceuta and Melilla. The Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Manuel Albares, expressed gratitude to Morocco’s security forces for their effective measures in containing these crossings. Over 4,500 suspected illegal migrants were arrested as Moroccan authorities, supported by the Royal Gendarmerie, effectively prevented numerous assaults on the border fence, with up to six organized attempts being reported.
Most of the individuals attempting to cross into Spain came from countries like Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, with social media playing a significant role in encouraging mass migration efforts. However, thanks to the coordinated efforts between Morocco and Spain, the majority of these attempts were stopped before they could succeed. Despite criticisms from Spain’s far-right VOX party, which argued that Morocco was using migration as a political tool, Albares defended the country’s actions, emphasizing that cooperation with Morocco is vital in managing migration flows.
Albares also highlighted that Spain’s collaboration with Morocco and other African countries, such as Senegal and Mauritania, has been crucial in managing irregular migration. The Spanish government sees its relationship with Morocco as a key factor in maintaining stability and security at the borders, with both nations sharing a commitment to joint responsibility rather than Morocco acting solely as Europe’s border enforcer.
Morocco has reiterated its stance that migration efforts are not just about protecting European borders but also about preserving internal security and stability. The close diplomatic ties between Spain and Morocco, further strengthened by Spain’s support for Morocco’s autonomy proposal for Western Sahara, have solidified their cooperation on both security and migration issues.