Moroccan authorities prevented a staggering 78,685 migrants from attempting to enter the European Union illegally in 2024, marking a 4.6% increase from the previous year. According to the Interior Ministry, this surge is attributed to "growing migratory pressure in an unstable regional environment."

The ministry's report revealed that 58% of the intercepted migrants originated from West Africa, 12% from North Africa—including Morocco itself—and 9% from East and Central Africa. This trend is largely driven by years of armed conflict in Africa's Sahel region, high unemployment, and the devastating impact of climate change on farming communities, which continue to push migrants toward Europe.

Morocco has long been a key departure point for African migrants attempting to reach Europe, whether by crossing the Mediterranean, navigating the Atlantic, or scaling the fences surrounding Spain's North African enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla. In 2024, Morocco recorded 14 group attempts to cross into the Spanish enclaves, more than double the six attempts in 2023.

Since resolving a diplomatic dispute in 2022, Morocco and Spain—an EU member—have strengthened their cooperation to combat irregular migration. This partnership has led to increased efforts to curb migrant crossings, with authorities rescuing 18,645 migrants from unsafe boats attempting to reach Europe, marking a 10.8% increase from the previous year.

Despite these intensified efforts, tragedies persist. Just last month, as many as 50 migrants were feared to have drowned in a shipwreck while trying to cross the Atlantic from West Africa to Spain's Canary Islands, according to a migrant rights group. This incident highlights the ongoing risks and challenges faced by migrants and the need for sustained cooperation between countries to address the root causes of migration.

The Africa Migration Report (AMRII) notes that Morocco and France maintain one of the largest migration corridors from Africa to other continents, with 1,059,918 movements. This underscores the significance of Morocco's role in the migration landscape and the importance of continued cooperation with European countries to address the complex issues surrounding irregular migration.

In conclusion, the surge in migrant crossings blocked by Moroccan authorities in 2024 underscores the ongoing challenges posed by irregular migration. As the region continues to grapple with the consequences of conflict, unemployment, and climate change, it is essential for countries to work together to address the root causes of migration and ensure the safety and dignity of migrants.