Ceuta is engulfed in escalating tension as protests demanding the deportation of migrants and a return to normalcy have spiraled into clashes and mutual attacks. Thousands continue to sleep on the streets, outside homes, and on beaches following the mass crossing in late July.
Amid this turmoil, Sabah Ahmed Mohamed, a Spanish-Moroccan woman born and raised in Ceuta and known for her charitable work, persists in providing food and clothing to migrants, despite facing criticism and threats for her humanitarian efforts.
In an interview with Yabiladi, Sabah mentioned that this wave of crossings «has also negatively impacted us as Moroccans of Ceuta» and pointed out that Moroccans in the city have become targets of attacks by some protesters due to their support for migrants. «Some individuals attack Moroccans in the city, but we are doing everything we can to support these people,» she explained.
«Heartbreaking Scenes»
The charity worker, a shopkeeper and mother of four, provides food and water to over 1,000 migrants daily, as well as washing their clothes and supplying blankets, with assistance from Moroccan and Spanish benefactors.
Delivering aid has become a challenging task, especially as protests have obstructed her efforts. Yesterday, she refrained from distributing food when a demonstration was scheduled to take place in front of her home. «I chose not to provoke the protesters,» she said. Instead, she waited until nightfall to distribute blankets and clothing, describing the situation as «truly catastrophic.»
Migrant groups are scattered throughout Ceuta’s neighborhoods, some sleeping outside doorsteps and on the streets. Fighting back tears, Sabah shared how these scenes have taken an emotional toll on her, particularly witnessing children, women, and expectant girls enduring life on the streets. «I don’t want to see these heartbreaking scenes,» she added.
«In every neighborhood, you find groups lying on the ground outside people’s doors. Sometimes, the moment you try to open your door, they’re right there.»
Sabah Ahmed Mohamed
Sabah had aided migrants during the crossing wave Ceuta experienced in May 2021, even sheltering some in her home. However, she believes the current situation differs because of certain behaviors of some new arrivals.
Behavior Fueling Resident Anger
She reports some migrants resorting to theft and begging, while others spend any money received on alcohol rather than food, along with reported drug use. Sabah emphasized these behaviors do not apply to all but have contributed to public frustration and a sense of insecurity among locals.
She also observed that some migrants engage with demonstrators, leading to confrontations. Sabah understands the fears of Ceuta’s residents who suddenly face large numbers of people in chaotic conditions, bad odors, and public defecation outside homes.
Families’ concerns are mounting as the new school year looms, with some hesitant to send their children to school. Meanwhile, questions remain about the fate of migrants sleeping rough with winter approaching.
«I call for helping the migrants but also aiding the people of Ceuta, who found themselves in this situation overnight. These conditions, and the insecurity they create, are what drove residents to the streets.»
Sabah Ahmed Mohamed
Sabah refuses to heed demands from some residents to stop distributing food, despite accusations that her actions encourage migrants to stay. «I understand the residents’ fears, but no one can stop me from helping. I cannot see someone hungry and not offer food,» she insisted.
While she continues to provide assistance, Sabah advises migrants to return to Morocco, believing it’s a better option than enduring such conditions. However, she respects their autonomy in deciding their next move.
As protests persist inside and outside Ceuta, civil groups have called for demonstrations on September 2 across several Spanish cities, expressing solidarity with Ceuta’s residents and demanding solutions to the crisis following the mass crossing.