By Sabiu Abdullahi
More than 48,000 migrants have returned to Morocco after entering Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta during a large-scale border crossing that unfolded over the past few days.
Spain’s Interior Ministry told AFP on Friday that 48,300 migrants had crossed back into Moroccan territory after authorities began efforts to reverse the influx.
The development followed an earlier wave of arrivals. Juan Jesus Vivas, the president of Ceuta, had disclosed that about 60,000 migrants entered the Spanish enclave from Morocco by land and sea. Many reportedly swam around a border fence that extends into the Mediterranean.
The number of fatalities linked to the incident has also increased. Authorities initially confirmed 18 deaths. The death toll has now risen to 57.
Ceuta is a Spanish autonomous city on the North African coast. Alongside Melilla, another Spanish enclave in North Africa, it represents the European Union’s only land border with Africa. Both territories have experienced repeated attempts by migrants seeking entry into Europe.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez visited Ceuta after the mass crossings and said his administration had activated all available resources to manage the situation.
Sanchez described the crossings as a “violation” of Span’s territorial sovereignty, adding that authorities are speeding up the repatriation of migrants who arrived this week.
The Spanish government later deployed soldiers to patrol the enclave and “maintain security” as officials worked to restore order.
Meanwhile, Italy has temporarily suspended its participation in the Schengen agreement with Spain in response to the mass border crossings.