Ceuta: Most migrants have returned to Morocco, 57 died crossing the border

What the report says

Spanish officials said that more than 48,000 migrants had gone back to Morocco after an unprecedented crossing into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta by sea, following an arrival of roughly 50,000 people. France24 Africa reported that the movement took place across a heavily fortified border and that the return process was described by a Human Rights Watch official as chaotic, with the total number involved still uncertain.

The article said 57 people died during the crisis, underscoring the dangers of the route. Ceuta is Spanish territory and part of the Schengen area, but it has special arrangements that make onward travel more complicated for migrants who reach it, adding to the pressure on local authorities and border systems.

France and Italy also tightened border controls over the weekend, according to the report. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced the suspension of Schengen free movement between Spain and Italy, reflecting wider concern in Europe over the sudden migration surge and its possible ripple effects beyond the enclave.

The piece attributed comments to Judith Sunderland of Human Rights Watch, who said the border crossings were extremely difficult and dangerous. France24 Africa’s report places the episode in the broader context of migration pressure at the Spain-Morocco border and the challenges European governments face in responding to large, fast-moving arrivals.