‘We’re not leaving’ - Ceuta residents demand action over migration crisis
Key Takeaways
- Residents camped in central Ceuta demanding action over migrant settlements.
- Protesters vowed to remain until action was taken at Playa del Trampolin.
- Juan Jesus Vivas said around 13,000 migrants remained in Ceuta.
Protesters camped in Plaza de los Reyes and demanded action at Playa del Trampolin as authorities move migrants from the streets into temporary reception centres.
Residents gathered in central Ceuta on Monday, demanding further action over the migration crisis following the mass crossing from Morocco in July.
Protesters filled Plaza de los Reyes with Spanish and Ceuta flags. Some wore shirts carrying slogans including "Ceuta is not for sale, Ceuta defends itself".
Attendees said they wanted the Spanish government to hear their concerns and vowed to remain in the square until action was taken at Playa del Trampolin.
"We'll be here all the time until they kick us out. If (Playa) del Trampolin isn't cleared out, this won't be cleared out either," said a protester, with another adding, “We’re not leaving.”
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Another attendee called for residents to maintain pressure on authorities.
"We have to be out on the streets every day so we are heard and so we are seen. And we cannot stop. We have to keep going and resist," said another attendee.
Protesters Set Up Camp in Ceuta
The gathering, called 'Ceuta with Juan Vivas', was organised by local business owners.
Participants were encouraged to bring chairs, flags, mattresses and tents, deliberately drawing parallels with migrant settlements in the city. Organisers also planned painting and other activities for children to allow people of different ages to participate.
The demonstration also showed support for Ceuta's regional president, Juan Jesus Vivas. His television appearance on Monday evening was shown on a large screen in the square.
Vivas accused the Spanish government of subservience to Morocco and demanded the truth about what happened on July 30 and 31.
Thousands of Migrants Remain in Ceuta
Last week, Vivas said around 13,000 migrants remained in Ceuta. He said about 4,500 were at the Trampolin settlement, 1,300 in Loma Margarita and 1,200 in Loma Colmenar.
Protests have spread across the city since tens of thousands of people crossed from Morocco on July 30 and 31.
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Spanish authorities have moved more than 800 migrants from Ceuta's streets into a newly opened temporary reception centre as emergency accommodation expands.
Most of those who crossed returned to Morocco within days, but thousands remained, putting pressure on existing reception facilities.
Spain said 3,519 migrants voluntarily returned to Morocco between August 10 and 31, while another 214 were deported during the same period.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
