Following the recent incidents at the crossing points leading to the cities of Sebta and Melilia, Morocco’s Ministry of the Interior has stated that a comprehensive analysis of the available evidence shows that these events were neither spontaneous nor the result of isolated circumstances. According to the Ministry, they stemmed from the convergence of several factors, including the malicious exploitation of social media and digital platforms, the dissemination of false information, the activities of human trafficking networks, and the misinterpretation of legal and administrative measures, all of which created the misleading impression that access to European territory could be achieved easily and without legal consequences.
Recognizing the evolving nature of the situation from its earliest stages, Moroccan authorities implemented a comprehensive preventive strategy based on early risk detection, heightened vigilance, the mobilization of security services and local authorities, and reinforced land and maritime surveillance. According to the Ministry, this proactive approach made it possible to contain the situation, protect lives, preserve public order, and secure the country’s borders while acting in full compliance with the rule of law and the principle of proportionality.
The Ministry further stated that statistical data compiled by the competent authorities through operational monitoring systems established at the departure points of irregular migration attempts enabled officials to determine the actual number of participants. Approximately 40,000 individuals headed toward Sebta, while around 1,135 people attempted to reach Melilia. All individuals who succeeded in entering Melilia were immediately returned.
The Ministry emphasized that these figures are based on precise operational and statistical data collected through officially established monitoring mechanisms and therefore constitute the sole authoritative reference. It dismissed other figures circulating publicly as lacking reliable evidence or objective foundations.
The Ministry also pointed to recent rulings by Spanish judicial authorities restricting the application of immediate return procedures to certain irregular migrants intercepted at sea. According to its assessment, these judicial decisions were widely misinterpreted and accompanied by misleading information, leading some migrants to believe that crossing by swimming would enable them to avoid immediate return. This misconception, the Ministry said, contributed to the emergence of a new pattern of irregular migration based primarily on swimming across the border.
At the time of the statement, the confirmed toll stood at one accidental death, resulting from a fall from a rocky area near Sebta, and ten deaths by drowning.
The Ministry noted that the very short distance separating the two shores—less than 70 meters in some areas—and the relatively shallow waters, which exceed two meters only slightly at certain points, created a false perception that the crossing was both easy and safe. This misconception led many individuals to underestimate the real dangers involved, with several attempts ending in tragedy.
Regarding reports of additional fatalities in Sebta, the Ministry said Moroccan authorities are continuing to verify the information through official channels of cooperation and coordination with their Spanish counterparts in order to establish the exact number of victims, as well as their identities and nationalities, before completing the required legal, administrative, and humanitarian procedures.
At the same time, individuals wishing to return to Morocco were allowed to do so under the framework of cooperation with the Spanish authorities and in accordance with the applicable procedures. Border crossings were opened to those choosing to return voluntarily, contributing to the gradual restoration of normal conditions in the area.
The Ministry also confirmed that the competent Public Prosecutor’s Office has opened judicial investigations into all acts and incidents related to these events in order to establish the full circumstances, determine responsibilities, and pursue the legal consequences prescribed by law.
In its concluding remarks, Morocco’s Ministry of the Interior reaffirmed that migration management can only be effectively addressed through a comprehensive approach based on shared responsibility, genuine solidarity, and equitable burden-sharing among international partners. The Ministry stressed that the Kingdom of Morocco will continue to act as a reliable and responsible partner, committed to strengthening international cooperation in combating irregular migration and human trafficking, while taking all necessary measures to preserve public order, safeguard border security, and protect people and property in full respect of the rule of law and Morocco’s national and international obligations.
