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The Melilla government has urged Spanish authorities to act swiftly and coordinate with Morocco to put an end to the long queues seen daily at the Beni Ansar border crossing, which it says are causing waiting times of more than 10 hours, particularly affecting children, the elderly, and sick people, as Operation Marhaba approaches.
Melilla government spokesperson Fadela Mohatar said the city has for years been calling for solutions to what she described as the «border chaos» faced by people attempting to cross into Morocco, stressing that the local government has repeatedly conveyed its concerns to Madrid, both verbally and in writing.
She added that it is the responsibility of the Spanish state to take measures, in coordination with Morocco, to put an end to the «inhumane and unbearable queues» endured by Melilla residents forced to wait long hours to cross the border.
Mohatar also noted that the reopening of the border following the 2021 crisis concentrated all cross-border traffic at the Beni Ansar crossing, worsening overcrowding and significantly increasing waiting times.
In this context, she said the Melilla government is working to prepare an equipped area aimed at easing waiting conditions by providing shade and basic services for people crossing the border on a daily basis.
