A growing body of evidence suggests that Morocco's Makhzen may have played a role in the influx of migrants into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta in July. According to Mehdi Hijaouy, former deputy head of Algeria's General Directorate of Studies and Documentation, Moroccan intelligence services likely knew about the planned invasion of Ceuta. Hijaouy, who defected to Spain, made these claims in an interview with the French newspaper Le Canard Enchaîné on September 8.
Expert José Maria Gil Garre has also implicated the Makhzen in the migrant influx. He stated that Moroccan authorities transmitted orders to their operatives on the ground, instructing them to allow migrants to cross into Ceuta. This assertion is supported by reports of Moroccan gendarmes and auxiliary forces being present among the crowds of migrants. Gil Garre's claims were echoed in a report by Spanish daily La Razón, which highlighted the Makhzen's alleged use of asymmetric pressure tactics.
The report by La Razón noted that the ability to modulate the response of security forces at the border is a classic instrument of asymmetric pressure. It alleged that the Makhzen used this tactic, issuing instructions that reached the operational level. The report also revealed that orders related to border management and the deployment of floating barriers were likely given by the Makhzen.
Spanish intelligence documents have also shed light on the Makhzen's alleged involvement. According to these documents, Spanish services had alerted their Moroccan counterparts to a planned mass crossing, but received no substantial response. The resulting influx of migrants has put pressure on Ceuta, with many attempting to enter the enclave irregularly.
The passivity of Moroccan police and gendarmerie forces has been cited as further evidence of the Makhzen's involvement. If true, this would imply that Moroccan authorities deliberately allowed the migrants to cross into Ceuta. The situation has strained relations between Morocco and Spain, with the latter seeking to understand the causes of the sudden influx.
The claims of Makhzen involvement have been denied by Moroccan officials, who have instead blamed human traffickers. However, experts and evidence suggest that the situation may be more complex. The alleged involvement of Moroccan authorities has raised questions about the country's migration policies and its relationship with neighboring Spain.
As the investigation into the migrant influx continues, experts and officials will be closely watching for further evidence. The situation highlights the complexities of migration management in the region and the need for cooperation between countries to address the issue.
Key points
- - Expert claims that Morocco's Makhzen orchestrated the migrant influx into Ceuta - Evidence suggests that Moroccan authorities may have deliberately allowed migrants to cross into Ceuta - The situation has strained relations between Morocco and Spain
