A new chapter has opened in the tense relationship between Spain and Morocco following the migration crisis in Ceuta. An internal report from the Spanish National Police, dated September 2026 and accessed by the French newspaper Le Monde, directly contradicts the official version of the government of Pedro Sánchez regarding the role of Moroccan authorities in the events that shook the autonomous city.
According to the document, Morocco did not act as a collaborative partner in containing migratory flows, as the Spanish Executive claims, but rather facilitated the crossing of hundreds of people toward the Ceuta border perimeter. This version clashes head-on with official statements from Moncloa, which previously thanked Morocco for its cooperation and denied any complicity.
What Exactly Does the Report Say?
The police report, prepared by agents stationed at the Ceuta border, details that Moroccan security forces did not prevent the advance of migrants, but in several sections allowed or even encouraged their passage toward the border fence. Spanish agents describe scenes of chaos and lack of coordination, with large groups crossing without effective intervention from the neighboring country's authorities.
The document also notes that no mass detentions by Morocco were recorded in the hours prior to the fence assault, a fact that contradicts the Spanish government's claims that Rabat was making a significant effort to curb migratory pressure.
The Spanish Government's Official Version
The government of Pedro Sánchez has maintained a discourse of gratitude toward Morocco, highlighting bilateral cooperation on migration matters. In public statements, senior officials have insisted that Morocco is a reliable partner and that the Ceuta crisis was an isolated episode attributable to human trafficking networks and external factors.
However, the police report calls that narrative into question and suggests that Morocco's attitude was, at the very least, ambiguous. Diplomatic sources consulted by Le Monde indicate that the document could further strain bilateral relations, as Spain depends on Moroccan cooperation to control its borders, and any accusation of complicity could trigger a major diplomatic conflict.
Context: The Migration Crisis in Ceuta
Ceuta, along with Melilla, is one of Spain's two autonomous cities in North Africa. Its geographical location makes it a key entry point for migrants into Europe. The migration crisis experienced in September 2026 was one of the most severe in recent years, with hundreds of people attempting to cross the border amid political and economic tensions in the region.
The incident reignited the debate on European migration policy and the need for a coordinated response. Meanwhile, the Spanish government's official version is now being questioned by an internal report that, if confirmed, could have significant political and diplomatic consequences.
Reactions and Next Steps
So far, neither the Spanish government nor Moroccan authorities have issued official comments on the report's contents. However, sources close to the Spanish Ministry of the Interior have indicated that the document is being analyzed and could be used in future negotiations with Morocco.
The political opposition in Spain has already reacted, demanding explanations from the Executive and calling for the Interior Minister to appear before parliament. Meanwhile, the international community is closely watching a case that could redefine relations between two neighboring countries and strategic partners.
This new episode underscores the complexity of migration management in the Mediterranean and the need for transparency in official accounts, especially when human rights and bilateral agreements are at stake.