Morocco Cracks Down on Fake Border Opening Rumors

Morocco is moving quickly to stop another wave of irregular crossings into Ceuta. Authorities in Rabat say they have stepped up security along the borders with both Spanish exclaves, Ceuta and Melilla. The Interior Ministry announced this on Wednesday. They warn that a new social media campaign is urging people to make mass attempts to enter.

This online push claims the border crossing at Fnideq will open on August 15. That date marks a public holiday in Spain. Moroccan officials say they have detected anonymous messages and posts inciting these illegal crossings. The ministry says it has taken all necessary measures to counter these attempts and intercept anyone seeking to participate. A group of people accused of involvement has been summoned for investigation, according to the state news agency MAP.

Legal action will follow against those spreading false information that encourages irregular migration. This surge mirrors one in late July when about 72,000 people crossed from Morocco into Ceuta. Most arrived by sea over just a few days. Local and Spanish forces have returned the vast majority of these migrants to North Africa. However, approximately 2,000 people remain on the coast today. Roughly half are minors who cannot be deported under current Spanish law.

The situation remains tense as families wait for answers. The Moroccan Interior Ministry has asked Spain to speed up the return of the children. In late July alone, at least eleven bodies were recovered in Morocco while Spain reported eighty deaths. Human rights groups estimate the death toll is actually higher, possibly reaching 141 people. On August 7, seven taxi drivers received prison sentences and fines for helping drive migrants to the border. The national taxi union called these penalties harsh and unexpected since no official transport restrictions were issued.