Ceuta fights not to become a migrant camp and maintain its identity
The president of Ceuta has repeatedly and insistently stated that the only solution to the situation in the city is the return to Morocco of all people who arrived during the massive entry and who still remain in the city. This is the idea that has been repeated over and over again since the last days of July.
The massive entry occurred when approximately 70,000 people arrived in the Spanish city on African territory. The flow of people crossing the border in large numbers was unprecedented, completely overwhelming the city's capacity to receive and accommodate migrants. The situation has created an unprecedented humanitarian crisis that Ceuta has never faced before.
The Spanish government has approved the creation of a "single command" to coordinate all actions related to this crisis, and has deployed additional security forces to the city. However, the president of Ceuta maintains that the only viable long-term solution is the repatriation of all those who entered during the massive influx.
The city, which has a population of about 85,000 inhabitants, is struggling to maintain its identity and daily functioning amid the arrival of such a large number of people. Local authorities warn that if the situation is not resolved quickly, Ceuta risks becoming a permanent migrant camp, which would permanently alter the character and composition of the city.
