Bouzemouri Achraf
(RIEAS Senior Analyst)
Copyright: @ 2026 Research Institute for European and American Studies (www.rieas.gr) Publication date: 11 August 2026
Note: The article reflects the opinion of the author and not necessarily the views of the Research Institute for European and American Studies
The migration crisis that unfolded in Ceuta at the end of July 2026 was extraordinary not only because of its scale, but because of the speed with which a local border problem became a wider security and political crisis. Spanish authorities initially estimated that around 49,000 people had entered the enclave within approximately 24 hours. Subsequent Spanish estimates placed the total number of arrivals during the episode at around 72,000, while Moroccan authorities gave a considerably lower figure of approximately 40,000.[ For the initial Spanish estimate of approximately 49,000 arrivals, see Reuters, 31 July 2026. Later reporting and Spanish estimates placed the total during the episode substantially higher, while Morocco reported a lower figure. See Reuters, 3 August 2026.] Whatever figure is ultimately retained, the scale of the movement is difficult to put into conventional terms: Ceuta has a population of roughly 84,000.... Read more