Hundreds of migrants, part of the group that recently crossed into Ceuta, a Spanish enclave in North Africa, gathered on a popular urban beach to demand asylum from Spanish authorities instead of being returned to Morocco. Around 5,000 to 8,000 migrants remain in Ceuta following the mass border crossing two weeks ago, where over 72,000 individuals entered the territory temporarily. Most migrants are living in challenging conditions on El Trampolin beach or the outskirts of the city while waiting for a chance to continue their journey to mainland Europe.
Ayoub Elarroud, hailing from Tetouan, Morocco, expressed the hardships faced by the migrants, stating they are sleeping near the sea in cold and unsanitary conditions, with restricted access to the city center by the police. The protesters displayed Spanish flags and banners with messages like “We don’t want to go back to Morocco” and “We are also human,” voicing their fatigue and the need for a solution.
Health services in Ceuta are strained, as Enrique Roviralta, head of the city’s medical board, highlighted the exhaustion of limited healthcare workers and criticized the slow response from the central government. He noted the outbreak of diseases like infectious diarrhea and scabies, along with a rise in violence-related injuries. Health Minister Monica Garcia refuted claims of a collapsed health system but acknowledged the pressure faced by local services, emphasizing that associating migration with illness is unjust and xenophobic.
Many Moroccan migrants cited poor working conditions in their country as the driving force behind their journey, despite holding higher qualifications. Mohammed Ouanzar, an automation specialist from Fez, mentioned the impossibility of affording a home or starting a family with low salaries in Morocco. The migrants, including those from Nigeria, Bangladesh, and Senegal, shared stories of their perilous journeys and reasons for seeking a better life in Europe.
The migrants’ plight has drawn attention to the humanitarian challenge faced by Ceuta, as organizations struggle to meet the needs of the remaining migrant population. Despite the difficulties, the migrants remain hopeful for a better future and continue to advocate for their right to asylum and improved living conditions.
