Melilla (Spain), 16 September 16, 2024 (SPS) – Thousands of young Moroccans from various Moroccan cities have rushed to the Moroccan borders near the Spanish cities of Ceuta and Melilla in an attempt at mass migration on Sunday. This movement is driven by severe economic conditions, political repression, and widespread social vulnerability in Morocco.

In the town of Fnideq, adjacent to Ceuta, hundreds of young people have gathered, hoping to migrate via the fence that marks the only land border between Morocco and the Spanish cities of Ceuta and Melilla. Moroccan police responded to this new wave of migration with force and violent repression as usual.

Indeed, hundreds of migrants have assembled on a hill in Fnideq and started throwing stones at Moroccan security forces, as shown in videos posted by local news sites. However, the police prevented them from approaching the Ceuta fence, and the area has seen large gatherings of those wishing to migrate throughout the past week.

Moroccan authorities have reported arresting at least 60 individuals last week, accusing them of using social media to incite migrants to attempt mass crossings of the border. In repeated accounts, some have even called for an invasion of Ceuta and Melilla to «liberate them from the Spanish.»

This latest wave of migration, which follows many previous ones, highlights the unbearable living conditions in Morocco. Moroccan youth have lost all hope of improving their situation amidst the growing power of the monarchy and the exploitation of economic resources by the king’s entourage and opportunistic elites in the country.

On the other hand, Moroccans also suffer from daily repression, violations of their rights, and denial of basic opportunities for a dignified life.

On another hand, it should be indicated that the Moroccan authorities have previously been involved in encouraging mass migration of Moroccan and African migrants to Spain as a pressure tactic against Spanish Prime Minister Sánchez’s government.

Sánchez later yielded to Moroccan demands and made a strange statement supporting Moroccan occupation, despite opposition from all Spanish political parties to the current change in Spain’s position. (SPS)

090/500/60 (SPS)