Ceuta and Melilla, two Spanish cities located on the African continent, have been grappling with illegal immigration from Africa for over 20 years. Despite the use of rigid border fences, including 10-meter high double steel fences in Ceuta and 12-kilometer long fences in Melilla, equipped with video surveillance, infrared cameras, motion detectors and other security measures to deter border crossings, many migrants have managed to enter through violent mass attacks.
On Wednesday, an estimated 200 men from countries south of the Sahara attempted to enter EU territory illegally via Morocco. This led to a confrontation at the border where force was used to prevent illegal entries. While this measure raises concerns about human rights violations, it is supported and monitored by the EU’s Frontex agency.
Despite these efforts to control illegal immigration, some migrants still manage to enter the cities by sea, mainly from the coasts of Mauritania and Senegal to the Canary Islands. The relationship between Spain and Morocco plays a crucial role in combating illegal immigration as Morocco’s cooperation is essential in preventing unauthorized entries into Spain.
Last year saw an increase in the number of illegal immigrants entering Spain from Africa with over 57,000 arrivals. However, only about 1,200 of them crossed the land border to Ceuta or Melilla. Effective border control measures and cooperation between countries are necessary to address the ongoing challenges posed by illegal immigration in these regions.
The situation has become increasingly dire as more migrants attempt to cross into Europe illegally through treacherous routes across deserts and dangerous seas. Efforts must be intensified to provide safe alternatives for refugees seeking asylum and protect their human rights while also ensuring effective border control measures are implemented without compromising individual freedoms.
