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
BarcelonaThe migratory crisis in Ceuta has repeatedly left serious episodes, some with fatal victims, for years; long before the massive arrival of migrants in recent weeks. One of the most notable precedents is that of 2021, when more than 10,000 people entered the city irregularly and amid the biggest diplomatic crisis of recent decades between Morocco and Spain, which had been triggered by Spain's decision to offer medical assistance to the leader of the Polisario Front Brahim Ghali, who was ill with covid-19.
![Thousands of people have accessed in Ceuta during this hours through the maritime border breakwaters of Tarajal and Benzú](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 16 9"%3E%3C/svg%3E)
These are some of the most notable episodes at the Ceuta border during the last two decades:
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 drown after throwing themselves into the sea after trying to enter Ceuta. In total, around 400 people tried to cross the border that day and were waiting on the Moroccan side to reach the autonomous city.
December 9, 2016
Around 800 sub-Saharan migrants attempt to jump the border fence in Ceuta and half – around 438 – manage to reach the city –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 members of the 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 undertake a new attempt which Morocco prevents.
December 23, 2017
A group of about 700 sub-Saharan migrants are trying to cross the Ceuta border crossing 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 it.
June 6, 2018
Around 400 migrants try to enter the autonomous city by crossing the border. Six succeed and three arrive injured.
July 26, 2018
Around 600 migrants manage to enter Ceuta using quicklime, sticks and Molotov cocktails, leaving 22 civil guards injured. Ten migrants are detained.
May 17 and 18, 2021
More than 10,000 migrants entered 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 in 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.
