The tragic events at the Melilla border on June 24, 2022, serve as a somber example of the severe consequences of migration policies and enforcement along the EU-African borders.
Moroccan authorities made a series of critical decisions that led to the deaths of at least 27 asylum seekers, with many others missing. Up to 2,000 people attempted to cross the border fence into Melilla, a Spanish enclave in North Africa, on what became one of the deadliest days observed in recent years.
Amnesty International and a UN working group labeled the response by Moroccan and Spanish authorities as excessive, pointing to racialized violence. 
An investigation by Border Forensics, an NGO, revealed that Moroccan authorities not only pushed asylum seekers towards the border but also increased militarization in the area.
Survivors’ testimonies along with satellite images provided critical insights.
Conditions Leading Up to the Incident
Days before the fatal event, Moroccan police conducted aggressive raids on the camps where the migrants stayed.
These actions included confiscating food and money, leaving the migrants with little choice but to attempt the crossing.
A survivor’s account mentions, “The police started attacking us and throwing stones at us. They destroyed all our food and water – they did this so that we would leave.” This demonstrates the coercive measures used to drive the migrants toward the Melilla fence.
Satellite images provided by Border Forensics showed increased troop presence and additional trench construction along the Moroccan side of the border.
The Day of the Incident
Initial movements began early in the morning with a significant number of migrants moving towards the border.
Moroccan police quickly established a perimeter at Barrio Chino, a highly secured border crossing.
Witnesses allege that police resorted to aggressive tactics such as stone-throwing and firing rubber bullets. Reports also indicate that at least 20 gas canisters were used, causing chaos and severe discomfort among the migrants.
In the surge of panic induced by tear gas and other hostile actions, many migrants were trampled.
A survivor narrated, “We couldn’t go anywhere, except towards the fence. We all gathered at the fence and they started to throw teargas grenades at us.”
Amid the chaos and disorientation, the crowd pushed toward the Spanish side, resulting in tragic fatalities and countless injuries.
Spanish Authorities’ Actions and Statements
Spanish authorities, including the interior ministry, maintain that their officers acted within the bounds of legality and respect for human rights.
Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska stated unequivocally that there was no loss of life on Spanish soil and that the Guardia Civil officers acted proportionately.
| Agency | Statement |
|---|---|
| Spanish Interior Ministry | Actions were legal, proportionate, and respectful of human rights |
| Moroccan Government: | Officers displayed high control and professionalism; migrants were allegedly armed |
Informants and Internal Dynamics
The Moroccan authorities reportedly employed informants among the migrant groups to relay information about their movements and plans to cross into Spain.
These “moles” were placed in camps to gather intelligence and disrupt the internal organization of the migrants, mainly targeting Sudanese individuals.
Border Forensics’ report highlights the systematic use of such tactics to gain an upper hand over the migrants’ plans.
Examination of Satellite Data and On-ground Surveillance
The usage of satellite images proved crucial in revealing the extent of militarization along the border.
Analysis of these images showed a visible increase in troop deployments and the construction of additional trenches. Such developments during the days leading up to the incident underscore the planned approach by Moroccan authorities in directing the migrants towards a bottleneck scenario at the fence.
Survivors’ Experiences
Numerous survivors recount the dire conditions they faced, forced displacement, and the perilous journey toward the Melilla fence.
A 27-year-old Sudanese man, Mahamat Daoud Abderassoul, shared his experience of being attacked twice in the days leading up to the event, emphasizing the deliberate nature of the actions taken by Moroccan authorities. He quoted, “They wanted to direct us towards the border fence where we had no way to escape.”
Broader Implications and NGO Findings
Border Forensics concludes that the incident is a manifestation of prolonged and systemic issues, rooted in European and Spanish policies of externalizing migration control.
This approach has consistently involved Moroccan cooperation, often leading to violent outcomes.
The NGO stresses the necessity for a fundamental shift in European migration policies and restructured relations with the global south. According to them, the broader web of agreements, practices, and legislations needs to be dismantled to prevent further tragedies.
The research also calls for an independent and impartial investigation to establish accountability and justice for the victims.
The repeated accounts of violence, forced displacement, and deliberate strategic planning by authorities highlight a grievous failure to protect human rights.
