Ceuta Migrant Crisis: Nearly 100 Dead, Moroccan PM’s Alleged Vacation Sparks Controversy
Tens of Thousands of Migrants Surge into Spanish Enclave
According to reports, the incident occurred last Friday (around July 31, 2026), when an estimated 60,000 to 80,000 Moroccans crossed the border in an organized manner over a short period, entering Ceuta, Spain’s North African enclave, and causing chaos. Notably, this mass movement took place while Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch was just kilometers away, attending a ceremony for the 27th anniversary of King Mohammed VI’s accession to the throne. It is alleged that the security forces responsible for protecting the King and his guests did not effectively stop the crowds of migrants passing near the royal palace.
Prime Minister’s Vacation Causes Public Outcry
As the migrant crisis unfolded, Moroccan Prime Minister Akhannouch proceeded with his planned vacation, traveling by private jet to the Spanish island of Mallorca. This action quickly triggered a strong backlash in Morocco. Moroccan scholar and university professor Latifa Bouhssini publicly condemned the move on social media, stating it was unacceptable for the Prime Minister to fly to a royal Spanish resort while mothers in his country were heartbroken over their missing children. Akhannouch is one of Morocco’s wealthiest individuals and a close friend of the King.
Starkly Different Responses from Spain and Morocco
In stark contrast to Akhannouch’s vacation, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez immediately flew to Ceuta last Friday after the incident began, aiming to personally manage the response and stabilize the situation on the ground. The dramatically different actions of the two leaders during the crisis have sparked widespread international discussion and comparison.
Grave Humanitarian Consequences
The crisis, referred to in Morocco as the ‘Ceuta Tragedy,’ has resulted in a heavy loss of life. By the end of last week, Ceuta’s local authorities reported at least 88 deaths between Thursday and Friday alone. Meanwhile, Moroccan officials reported 11 deaths within their territory. Combining reports from all sides, the total death toll is approaching 100, and with search operations ongoing, this number may rise. By Sunday evening, when Akhannouch returned to Morocco from his holiday, over 70,000 migrants had either voluntarily returned or been repatriated by Spanish authorities, bringing a temporary end to the incident.
