Kathmandu— Thousands of protesters gathered across Spain, including roughly 50,000 in Madrid, to voice their discontent over the ongoing migration crisis in Ceuta. The protests coincided with Ceuta Day, marking the Portuguese takeover of the North African city in the 15th century. Over 70,000 migrants and asylum seekers crossed into Ceuta from Morocco a month ago on July 30 and 31, leading to significant strain on local resources and infrastructure.
Protestors' Demands
Chants of “Expel the invaders” and “Ceuta is not for sale, Ceuta must be defended” echoed through the streets as protesters draped Spanish and city flags over their shoulders. The demonstrations reflect growing frustration among residents who feel overwhelmed by the influx of migrants and asylum seekers.
Stranded Migrants
While many migrants have returned to Africa, an estimated 5,000 people remain in Ceuta, including about 1,200 minors. Among those stranded is Otman Ianaya, who swam from Morocco with his family seeking better prospects. “There is no work in Morocco,” he told AFP. “I want to build a future in my life.” Some migrants and asylum seekers sleep on the beaches as emergency housing remains inadequate.
Political Divisions
The crisis has highlighted political divisions within Spain. Ceuta’s regional leader, Juan Jesus Vivas of the conservative Popular Party, called it a “violation of Spain’s territorial integrity.” In contrast, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez blamed the surge on misread court rulings and online disinformation, while accusing Russian and Israeli-linked accounts of amplifying negative coverage.
Humanitarian Efforts
Amidst the tension, humanitarian organizations like Luna Blanca continue to distribute food and aid. Halima Ahmed from Luna Blanca emphasized empathy for migrants in vulnerable situations while condemning any form of violence. “People are tired, people are fed up… but that does not justify any type of violence,” she added.
(With inputs from Al Jazeera)
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Originally published on abcnews.com.np.
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