Hundreds of migrants who recently arrived in Ceuta, a North African enclave of Spain, gathered for a demonstration on a popular city beach on Sunday, calling on Spanish authorities to provide them with asylum instead of deporting them to Morocco. These migrants are part of the 5,000 to 8,000 individuals who remain in Ceuta following a massive influx two weeks ago, which saw over 72,000 people entering the territory. Most of the migrants are currently residing in challenging conditions on El Trampolin beach or on the outskirts of the city while awaiting an opportunity to continue their journey into mainland Europe.
Ayoub Elarroud from Tetouan, Morocco, expressed the hardships they are facing, mentioning that they are sleeping by the sea in harsh conditions and facing restrictions from the police to access the city center. During the protest, participants displayed Spanish flags and banners with messages such as “We don’t want to go back to Morocco” and “We are also human,” while voicing their exhaustion and the need for a resolution.
Meanwhile, the healthcare system in Ceuta is under immense strain, with Enrique Roviralta, head of the city’s medical board, stating that health workers are overwhelmed, and there has been a slow response from the central government. He highlighted the outbreak of diseases like infectious diarrhea and scabies, as well as an increase in violence-related injuries.
Health Minister Monica Garcia refuted claims of a collapse in local health services but acknowledged the pressure they are facing. She emphasized that associating migration with illness is unfair and xenophobic, noting a moderate risk of epidemic outbreaks among migrants and a low risk for residents.
Many Moroccan migrants interviewed cited poor working conditions in their home country as the driving force behind their journey. Mohammed Ouanzar, an automation specialist, expressed the economic challenges in Morocco, making it difficult for him to afford a home or support a family. Other migrants shared similar stories, including Emmanuel, a Nigerian electrician, who embarked on a dangerous journey to provide a better life for his children.
The migrants in Ceuta come from diverse backgrounds, with individuals like Mohammad Ismail Hossain from Bangladesh and Ousmane from Senegal sharing their arduous journeys and reasons for seeking asylum. Despite facing various challenges and uncertainties, they remain hopeful for a better future in Europe.