Sahrawi nationalist movement seeking self-determination for Western Sahara
Migrant crossings into Ceuta have surged to over 1,500 in recent days, overwhelming reception centers and prompting Spain and Morocco to coordinate a response. Authorities warn of an extraordinary situation as authorities deploy resources to ensure safety and humanitarian aid.
Migrant arrivals at Ceuta from Morocco have surged, with authorities reporting thousands crossing the Tarajal breakwater by sea and on foot. Spain vows an immediate response as the border comes under pressure, with discussions of deploying more police and possibly the army to restore order.
Thousands of migrants crossing from Morocco have overwhelmed Ceuta’s border, prompting security reinforcements. The surge follows a recent Supreme Court ruling and has drawn European and regional leaders to respond. At least 18-19 people have died as chaos unfolds near Tarajal beach, with families and children among those affected.
Around 50,000 people have arrived in Spain's Ceuta by sea and over the border from Morocco, overwhelming local services and prompting Spain to deploy troops and begin returns. Madrid has accused the influx of violating Spanish territory; EU states and agencies are coordinating support while humanitarian needs and dozens of dead complicate repatriation plans.
More than 70,000 people crossed from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta at the end of July; tens died and thousands returned, but several thousand — including many children — have remained, straining services and provoking near‑daily protests across Spain. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has denied Moroccan responsibility, blamed traffickers and disinformation, and pledged extra funds and reception places.
More than 70,000 migrants entered Ceuta from Morocco on July 30-31 in an unprecedented surge, leaving scores dead and prompting EU friction over migration. Spain’s government faces mounting scrutiny over handling; declassified intelligence warns of prior alerts, while Morocco denies involvement. EU pledges emergency aid to bolster borders and returns.
Algeria has severed diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates, accusing Abu Dhabi of repeated "provocative and hostile" actions and giving the UAE ambassador 48 hours to leave. Algeria has closed its airspace to UAE-registered aircraft while allowing commercial flights to and from Algiers until the end of 2026. The UAE has said it hopes the move will be temporary.
A fire has swept through a dense Bukavu neighbourhood and spread into two adjacent schools, Ujamaa and Furaha, killing at least 24 children and injuring dozens. The blaze has destroyed hundreds of wooden homes in Kadutu’s Cimpunda area. Local medical facilities are treating dozens of survivors while authorities say the death toll remains provisional.
Spain’s lower house has approved legislation to grant Spanish nationality to Sahrawis born in Western Sahara before 1977, with descendants eligible by naturalisation. The measure, backed by the government, could benefit tens of thousands and follows Spain’s shift in Western Sahara policy amid Ceuta migrant tensions and strained Morocco ties.
Spain and Italy have extended reciprocal border controls for another 15 days amid migratory tensions linked to Ceuta. Italy cites internal security risks as it keeps restrictions on passengers from Spain. Separately, Spain’s parliament backs citizenship for Western Sahrawis born before 1977, a move amid Morocco-Spain tensions.