Spain's PM disputes claims Morocco orchestrated migrant surge

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stated on Wednesday that there is no "solid proof" that Morocco planned the migrant rush into Ceuta during late July, contradicting findings from a Spanish police report that accused Moroccan officers of facilitating the crossing.

The Spanish National Police released a report alleging that Moroccan authorities demonstrated "total permissiveness" during the incident, with some officers reportedly directing migrants toward the water to encourage them to swim across to the Spanish enclave. The report suggested a coordinated effort to overwhelm border defences during the surge.

However, Sánchez's remarks indicate the Spanish government is taking a more cautious diplomatic approach regarding Morocco's alleged involvement. The statement reflects efforts to manage relations with Morocco, a key partner on migration control and counter-terrorism cooperation in the Mediterranean region.

The Ceuta incident saw thousands of migrants, predominantly from sub-Saharan Africa, attempt to cross into Spanish territory within days. Spanish authorities ultimately detained many of the migrants, while diplomatic tensions escalated between Madrid and Rabat over responsibility for the coordinated movement.

Neither Spain nor Morocco has provided comprehensive evidence regarding the exact circumstances that prompted the mass migration attempt, leaving questions about the incident's origins unresolved.