Brief
Between 3,000 and 5,000 migrants continue to stay in Ceuta after a significant influx from Morocco last month, according to Ceuta’s president, Juan Jesus Vivas. In a video call during a special session of the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice, and Home Affairs, Vivas noted that around 100 people lost their lives during this surge.
Authorities estimate that roughly 80,000 migrants entered Ceuta within just 48 hours at the end of July. Vivas described the situation as an “invasion,” marking it as one of the toughest times in the recent history of the region. He emphasized that the term “invasion” reflects an unusual or irregular occupation of a place, referencing the vast number of people who entered during that time.
Vivas said that although about 75,000 of the migrants have returned to Morocco, Ceuta is far from normal. “We still have between 3,000 and 5,000 people who arrived during those critical days,” he explained, pointing out that the city’s migrant centers are overwhelmed, leading to a humanitarian crisis.
He expressed concerns about public order and safety in Ceuta, stating that residents feel anxious and fearful about the possibility of another surge. The president urged the need for stronger support from European authorities and suggested actions to restore normalcy, such as expelling remaining migrants and increasing resources for local facilities.
Vivas remains hopeful, stating that Ceuta has the resilience to overcome this challenge, but stressed that external support is essential for recovery.
