Thousands of migrants turned back from Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta have begun returning to their hometowns across Morocco, as authorities on both sides of the border intensify efforts to restore order following days of mass crossings and violent clashes.
AFP journalists reported that buses carrying returnees departed from the Moroccan border town of Fnideq on Friday, with the repatriation operation continuing into Saturday.
A Moroccan official familiar with the operation said the migrants were being transported either directly to their hometowns by bus or to the railway station in Tangier, about 70 kilometres away, for onward travel to destinations across the country.
The official, who spoke anonymously, said security had been fully restored at the Fnideq border crossing and surrounding hills, where hundreds of mostly young men had hurled stones at security personnel during Friday’s unrest.
Spain said on Friday that at least 48,000 of the approximately 60,000 migrants who crossed into Ceuta in recent days had already been returned to Morocco.
AFP journalists observed about 20 buses, each with a capacity of 54 passengers, leaving the border area late Friday, transporting roughly 1,000 people to cities including Tangier, Tetouan and Casablanca. Many of the migrants had travelled from distant parts of Morocco, including Marrakech, more than 500 kilometres away.
One of the returnees, Rachid Aouchari, 32, from Ksar el Kebir, expressed regret over the failed journey.
“I heard that buses had arrived to take us back home. Honestly, I just want to see my children again. I regret having come all the way here,” he said after being turned back from Ceuta overnight.
Before the repatriation began, security forces battled groups of migrants attempting to reach the Spanish enclave by swimming or crossing on foot through the narrow border fence.
Police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse hundreds of migrants, while dozens were arrested during the clashes, according to AFP journalists.
