Morocco is claiming new success in lowering the number of migrant crossings into Europe as the country works with its northern neighbour, Spain, in securing more European funding for curbing migration.
According to Foreign Affairs Minister Nasser Bourita, the number of crossings dropped 40% compared to the same month last year in the Western Mediterranean route, which last year became the main entry point into Europe.
Departures have dropped significantly since the beginning of 2019, with Rabat claiming that its security forces have dismantled 60 trafficking networks and stopped more than 30,000 crossing attempts.
“We are very satisfied with our partnership with Spain,” Bourita told reporters on Monday, as he stood by Spain’s foreign minister, Joseph Borrell, who was on a one-day visit to Morocco.
Officials have repeatedly said the country can’t be Europe’s migration police, piling pressure on northern neighbours to provide funds to manage the crisis. Spain is reportedly seeking 50 million euros (nearly $56 million) from the EU budget for Rabat, which would be in addition to 130 million euros promised last year.
Meanwhile, authorities refuse to comment on the fate of migrants stopped. In addition to Moroccans or Algerians, great numbers come from poorer sub-Saharan African countries.
