Moroccan Migrants Flooding Spain
By: Sanjna Hegde
Course themes:
1. How does domestic politics affect foreign policy choices made by nation-states? What is the relationship between domestic politics and international politics?
2. How do social alliances like nationalism and religion motivate political activism and change?
On Monday, May 17th, over 6,000 migrants illegally swam around rocky breakwaters from Morocco to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, creating a humanitarian crisis. According to local media, many migrants included young children and families who sought a better life away from poverty and violence.
Currently, domestic politics between Morocco and the Polisario Front are shaping the actions of migrants and Spanish policy. The Polisario Front, led by Brahim Ghali, is fighting for independence for Western Sahara which is currently under Moroccan rule. Spain and the EU are trying to build a strong relationship with Morocco for mutual economic benefit, but tensions have risen due to Spain’s compassionate assistance towards Ghali. According to ABC News, Spain admitted Ghali to a hospital for treatment after he tested positive for COVID-19 under a different name and Algerian passport, which is angering the Moroccan government. This humanitarian gesture has led to an influx of illegal migration seeking similar assistance.
Spain has responded to the influx of illegal migration by deploying its military and other police officers to fulfill the signed agreement between Morocco and Spain, stating that they must expel those who swim across the border. According to AP news “Ceuta’s conservative regional president, said residents were in a state of ‘anguish, concern and fear’ and 60% of the city’s children had not shown up for school on Tuesday.” However, most of the migrants who reached Spain were forced to go back to Morocco.
Discussion Questions:
1. If you were the leader of Spain, would you send the Moroccan migrants back or would you allow them to stay in Spain to build a better life? What would be the benefits and consequences of your decision?
2. How can the lack of transparency between nations affect diplomatic relations?
Sources:
https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/18/europe/migrants-swim-morocco-spanish-enclave-ceuta-intl/index.html
https://apnews.com/article/spain-europe-africa-morocco-migration-9833744a7058cc9438a8d7417d2944c6
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-14115273
If I were the leader of Spain I would and would no take Moroccan migrants. I would take migrants in because everyone should be happy with were they are living, if migrants are running away from Moroccan then the violence and poverty is really big. Everyone should be given a chance since they are going through a lot in their country. I would not take migrants in from Moroccan in because it might worsen the relationship between Moroccan and Spain which could lead to conflicts.
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