The mass arrival of migrants in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta has provoked one of the most serious crises at the borders of the European Union. While authorities investigate the role of trafficking networks and the spread of information on social networks, some sources suggest that Russia may have tried to exploit the situation. However, there are no public evidences to demonstrate that Moscow organized the incursion.
Approximately 78,000 migrants are believed to have gathered near the Moroccan border, before thousands of them attempted to penetrate the Spanish enclave of Ceuta.
Some came prepared for the sea crossing, wearing swimming fins or inflatable rings around their waists. Others tried to pass through gaps made in the border fence.
It has been described as the largest influx of migrants in a single day towards the territory of the European Union.
In the midst of chaos, there were also reports that some members of the Moroccan border forces did not try to stop the migrants, but even encouraged them to move forward.
Mohammed Ahmidho, aged 47, one of the migrants, stated that the police officers allegedly told them to “go to Spain”.
Another migrant, Ajoub el-Arrot, aged 24, learned about the mass crossing attempt from social networks.
“I don’t know why they let us cross. Maybe they had a political reason. They opened the border and let everyone pass”, he declared for The New York Times.
A mobilization fueled by social networks
The images of thousands of people heading towards the border have provoked strong political reactions throughout the European Union.
But how spontaneous was this mobilization, in fact?
Multiple testimonies suggest that the phenomenon formed over the course of several weeks.
Migrants who managed to reach Ceuta stated that they were attracted by videos posted on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram, claiming that access to the enclave had become easier and safer.
The messages appeared following a decision by the Supreme Court of Spain in July, according to which people who swim to Ceuta could not be automatically and quickly returned to Morocco.
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