60,000 migrants storm Spain's Ceuta after 'Go that way' directions from Morocco
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Summary
Around 60,000 migrants surged into Spain’s North African territory of Ceuta within two days, swimming across the maritime border, climbing fences and pouring towards the enclave after weeks of preparation, social media messages and, according to some migrants, directions from Moroccan authorities to “Go that way”. Accounts from migrants, reporting by The New York Times and the Financial Times, and footage from the border point to a combination of social media mobilisation, preparations for the sea crossing, desperation over jobs in Morocco and uncertainty over whether migrants could be returned after a recent Spanish Supreme Court ruling. Alaoui said he eventually swam across the maritime border. Photographs near the border showed Moroccan police and security forces confronting groups of young men near Fnideq, close to the crossing, including using water cannon. Some migrants were seen getting out of a dump truck near the border while Moroccan gendarmes monitored traffic. The Spanish government’s immigration policies may also have contributed to the perception that reaching Spain could offer a route to legal status. A recent Spanish Supreme Court ruling also became a major talking point on social media. Messages circulating online appear to have played a major role in bringing thousands towards the border at the same time. Migrants interviewed in Ceuta said they had recently seen posts claiming that the border was open. Immigration, counterterrorism and cultural exchanges are among the issues expected to be discussed.
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migrants storm Spains Ceuta after Go that way directions from Morocco
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