Published on
31/07/2026 - 21:01 GMT+2
The autonomous city of Ceuta has ground to a halt following the mass arrival of migrants from Morocco. Most shops remained closed on Friday, fresh bread was becoming difficult to find and the Ceuta government suspended this weekend's patron saint festivities as authorities struggled to regain control of the situation.
As AFP observed on the ground, the usual bustle of the central Calle Real has given way to groups of migrants gathered in the streets, while the shutters of many businesses remain down. In the city centre, home to around 84,000 people, only a handful of pharmacies and a restaurant belonging to a well-known chain were open.
The Ceuta Business Confederation has advised shops and other businesses not to reopen "until security can be guaranteed", amid continuing uncertainty and the deployment of additional security forces.
