Chronology of two decades of migratory crisis in Ceuta
For years, serious episodes have been repeated at the border crossing of the autonomous city, some with fatal victims
BarcelonaA serious migratory crisis. This is how the media and numerous political figures describe the latest mass arrival of migrants in the city of Ceuta, which has not only left dozens dead and overwhelmed the territory's assistance services, but has also had an international impact. But, beyond a spontaneous situation, the truth is that these events are just another episode in a chronology that goes back years. To fully understand the importance of these events, ARA traces the long history of the border crossing between Spain and Morocco:
September 29, 2005
Five young sub-Saharan Africans die shot while about 700 people tried to cross the Ceuta fence. In total, 214 managed to enter the city.
February 6, 2014
At least fifteen sub-Saharan migrants die drowned after throwing themselves into the sea after trying to enter Ceuta. In total, about 400 people tried to cross the border that day and were waiting on the Moroccan side to reach the autonomous city.
December 9, 2016
About 800 sub-Saharan migrants attempt to jump the border fence of Ceuta and half –around 438– manage to reach the city. That day, 49 people needed medical assistance for bruises and wounds.
January 1, 2017
More than a thousand people tried to jump the Ceuta fence on the first day of the year. Only two succeeded. During that day, five civil guards and about fifty Moroccan auxiliary forces were injured.
February 17, 2017
Approximately 750 migrants attempt to jump the Ceuta fence, of which 498 manage to enter the city. 25 migrants and eleven civil guards were injured.
February 20, 2017
Three days later, the city was experiencing a new massive influx of migrants. This time 600 people tried, and 356 accessed Ceuta. The day ended with a dozen injured, two of whom were police officers.
August 8, 2017
A thousand sub-Saharan migrants try again to cross the Ceuta fence, but Moroccan authorities and Spanish agents stop them. The next day, half a thousand people stage a new attempt which Morocco prevents.
December 23, 2017
A group of about 700 sub-Saharan migrants are trying to cross the border crossing of Ceuta irregularly. About thirty managed to climb the fence, but they could not manage to enter the city.
February 15, 2018
Half a thousand people try to enter Ceuta by jumping the fence, but Moroccan police officers prevent them.
June 6, 2018
Around 400 migrants attempt to enter the autonomous city by crossing the border. Six succeed and three arrive injured.
July 26, 2018
About 600 migrants manage to enter Ceuta using quicklime, sticks, and Molotov cocktails that leave 22 civil guards injured. Ten migrants are detained.
May 17 and 18, 2021
More than 10,000 migrants enter Ceuta irregularly in one of the largest migratory crises in recent years in the State. It took place amid the serious diplomatic crisis between Rabat and Madrid of recent decades, triggered by Spain's decision to offer medical assistance to the leader of the Polisario Front, Brahim Ghali, who was ill with covid-19.