In brief
For a full day the tiny Spanish enclave of Ceuta, home to roughly 83,000 people, faced a sudden wave of around sixty thousand migrants from Morocco. Dozens have died in the perilous crossing, and most signs point to a short‑term trigger that this piece seeks to uncover. Spanish officials say about forty‑eight thousand migrants returned home, while BBC journalist Sarah Rainsford explains the potential causes and what steps may follow.
Over the last 24 hours the Spanish territory of Ceuta has seen an unprecedented surge of migrant arrivals.
About 60,000 people from Morocco crossed the brief border into the enclave, a hotspot for those aiming to reach Europe.
Dozens died during the risky crossings.
Spain confirms that more than 48,000 migrants returned to Morocco voluntarily on Friday evening.
BBC journalist Sarah Rainsford outlines what triggered the surge and what could happen next.
