Thousands Protest in Spain as Migration Crisis in Ceuta Persists
Theo Al Jazeera
Thousands protest across Spain against the migration surge in Ceuta, where many migrants remain stranded. The government faces criticism over its response, and tensions have sparked isolated violence.
Around 50,000 people gathered in Madrid on September 2 for a major demonstration, while thousands more took to the streets across Spain to protest the ongoing migration crisis in Ceuta, a small Spanish territory on the African coast.
The protests coincided with the celebration of Ceuta Day, a local holiday marking the Portuguese conquest of the North African city in the 15th century. Demonstrators waved Spanish and city flags, chanting slogans such as “Expel the invaders” and “Ceuta is not for sale; Ceuta must be defended.”
The event came more than a month after over 70,000 migrants and asylum seekers crossed en masse from Morocco into Ceuta on July 30 and 31. Initial reports indicate at least 80 people died during the deadly crossing.
While many have returned to Africa, others remain. Figures vary: The Spanish government estimates about 5,000 people, including 1,200 minors, while local statistics are higher.
Otman Ianaya, 40, is among those still stranded in Ceuta. He swam to the enclave with his wife and two young daughters in search of better prospects. “There is no work in Morocco. I want to build a future for my life,” he told AFP.
Some migrants and asylum seekers are currently sleeping on Ceuta’s beaches. The Spanish government has sought to expand emergency housing and boost social services budgets, but critics say these measures are insufficient for the large number of people in need.
Tensions have led to isolated violence, including fights, stone-throwing at a military patrol, and reports of sexual assault. Residents have also clashed with police and burned migrants’ belongings in protest.
“The situation is so chaotic you can’t go out on the street,” said protester Gema Guillen.
The July crisis also exposed political divisions. Juan Jesus Vivas, Ceuta’s regional leader from Spain’s conservative Popular Party, called the crisis an “act of violation of Spain’s territorial integrity.” Meanwhile, Territorial Policy Minister Angel Victor Torres accused the conservative and far-right opposition of exploiting the crisis “to attack the Spanish government” instead of aiding the city.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez blamed the surge on misinterpreted court rulings and online misinformation that encouraged people to cross. He also claimed Russia- and Israel-linked accounts amplified negative coverage, without providing evidence, citing intelligence community findings. Madrid has pledged €309 million ($357 million) in aid to Ceuta.
Amid the standoff, while some migrants seek economic opportunities, others apply for asylum to escape alleged persecution at home. Halima Ahmed of Luna Blanca, an NGO distributing food and aid to migrants and asylum seekers, urged compassion: “They are vulnerable people; we need to have a little empathy. People are tired, fed up… but that doesn’t justify any kind of violence.”
