Spain migrant crisis fuels protests
“Residents of Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta appealed for calm on Wednesday as hundreds of rallies were planned across the country over an unprecedented migration crisis that has left more than…”
Nearly five weeks after at least 72,000 people crossed from Morocco in a deadly border surge, Ceuta authorities estimate that more than 10,000 migrants, including unaccompanied minors, remain in makeshift camps or scattered across streets and beaches. Their presence has triggered near-daily protests by residents over the Spanish government's handling of the crisis.
Demonstrators have called for migrants to be returned to their countries of origin or redistributed across Spain. Residents have accused the central government of responding too slowly to the situation, warning that rising tensions could spiral further.
Lola, a middle-aged resident, said the situation was becoming increasingly difficult and described the enclave as approaching a "powder keg". Francisco Garcia Segado, head of the residents' association FPAV Ceuta, said organisers wanted demonstrations to remain peaceful and free of disrespect, while keeping far-right groups from participating over concerns that activists arriving from mainland Spain could fuel violence.
"Stay connected with Aman-e-Pakistan for ongoing live reporting and verified investigative updates."
Recent protests have included sporadic attacks on a makeshift migrant camp at El Trampolin beach, while Moroccan citizens were arrested after throwing stones and bottles at army patrols. The Spain-wide protests were called by the FEMP federation of municipalities, which is dominated by the opposition conservative People's Party (PP).
The leftist government has distanced itself from the initiative, accusing the opposition of exploiting the crisis for political purposes. "This is not about defending Ceuta and the Ceutans, it is about attacking the government," Territorial Policy Minister Angel Victor Torres.
A citizens' initiative, 'Por Ceuta', has gathered nearly 65,000 signatures for a manifesto calling for respect for residents' and migrants' human rights, the orderly return of those without the right to remain and increased security reinforcements. Left-wing groups and unions have organised counter-demonstrations, including in Madrid, condemning what they described as racist and Islamophobic persecution and attacks against migrants.
Talks between local and central authorities remain deadlocked. The PP, which governs most Spanish regions, in some cases with the far-right Vox, has called for all remaining migrants, including minors, to be deported. REUTERS
Continue Reading: More in National
Swipe or click arrows to explore National desk coverage
