A New Call for “Assault” on Social Media
Following the tragic border crossing incident on July 30-31, which resulted in at least 75 deaths, a new stir has emerged on Moroccan social networks. A flood of messages is circulating on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, calling for a new mass crossing targeting Ceuta, Spain’s enclave in North Africa. The date is set for August 15, which coincides with a national public holiday in Spain.
These calls use specific hashtags, such as the date “15/08” and the Arabic word “al-hajma” (meaning “attack” or “assault”). The messages designate the Moroccan border town of Fnideq as the gathering point and are accompanied by inflammatory text like “see you that day” and symbolic images such as the Spanish flag and swimmers, spreading rapidly online.
The “Pull Effect” of Disinformation and Youth Mobilization
Spanish fact-checking organization Maldita.es has analyzed that such mobilizations follow a clear pattern: “call on Facebook, promote on Instagram, organize on WhatsApp.” Social media plays a crucial “pull effect” role in migration waves. Previously, false information like “Ceuta’s gates are open” and “today is the day” misled tens of thousands of people, causing them to misjudge the situation and attempt risky crossings.
Data from a survey of 500 young people in northern Morocco corroborates this. The survey shows that 81% of respondents believe social media portrays migration as an effective way to improve their lives; 78.4% say they can easily access content that encourages illegal immigration; and 74.2% follow social media pages that provide such information. In addition to the mobilization for the August 15 crossing, there have also been online calls for “solidarity rallies” in several Moroccan cities on August 9.
A Precedent: The Late July Tragedy and Judicial Investigation
This new mobilization comes in the shadow of the last large-scale border crossing tragedy. In the event of July 30-31, approximately 72,000 people attempted to enter Ceuta, resulting in at least 75 deaths. This tragedy has prompted intervention from the Spanish judicial system. Judge María Tardón of the Spanish National Court (Audiencia Nacional) has formally requested information from the Civil Guard (Guardia Civil) to investigate whether security forces received prior warnings and if there were intelligence failures or an improper response. The judicial inquiry aims to clarify accountability for the tragedy.
Official Silence and Border Uncertainty
Although the Moroccan Ministry of the Interior has previously acknowledged that “false information” is a significant factor in the border crisis, as of now, Moroccan officials have made no public response to the new online calls for mobilization on August 15. This silence contrasts sharply with Spain’s growing concerns, as the country closely monitors the border situation and prepares for potential new security challenges and a humanitarian crisis.
