Sanchez Denies Evidence of Moroccan Planning Behind Ceuta Migrant Influx

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez denied before parliament the existence of conclusive evidence proving that Morocco planned or coordinated the mass migrant influx into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta in late July.

Parliamentary Statement on Intelligence Assessments

Speaking Thursday before the Congress of Deputies, Sánchez stated: “There is no conclusive evidence received by our government from intelligence agencies, diplomatic services, or international bodies—including the European Commission—that Moroccan authorities planned or coordinated the mass migrant influx into the Ceuta enclave in late July.”

Context of Escalating Domestic Pressure

The remarks followed mounting political and public pressure in Spain after an internal Spanish security report was leaked to media outlets. That report described the border incident as a “coordinated operation” that caused disruption at the border and cited a 10-hour lapse in Moroccan security oversight during the peak of the influx.

Explanation of Security Gaps

Sánchez clarified that the absence of security coverage for several hours was attributable either to “inability” on the part of Moroccan security forces to manage the large numbers of people or to “temporary negligence.” He emphasized, however, that overall cooperation with Rabat—both before and after the incident—had been effective and had prevented thousands of illegal crossings. He stressed that decisions must be grounded in facts, not speculation.

Protests Coincide With Parliamentary Session

The parliamentary session coincided with large-scale demonstrations involving thousands of people in both Ceuta and Madrid. Protesters condemned the central government’s handling of the migration crisis following the entry of at least 72,000 individuals into Ceuta in July.

Accusations Against Foreign and Domestic Actors

Sánchez renewed his accusations against Russian and Israeli entities, as well as far-right networks, for disseminating disinformation intended to inflame the crisis. He also criticized statements by Moroccan ministers referencing Morocco’s “historical rights” over the cities of Ceuta and Melilla, calling those remarks “unacceptable” and affirming that both cities would remain permanently Spanish.