Pedestrian border post in Ceuta to be closed for a week to avoid stampedes

Moroccan and Spanish authorities have decided to close the pedestrian border post in Ceuta until Monday, reported Europa Press on Wednesday.

The decision was taken to avoid stampedes that occur when people try to cross the borders carrying loads of goods and merch.

The same source indicates that more than 2,000 people use the facility every day, adding that women cross the borders on Mondays and Wednesdays while men do the same on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

In April, a new initiative was implemented to allow mule women to carry their goods on trolleys, making it easier and more practical for them.

The new measure applied by the Ceuta authorities came into force following the pressure put by NGOs, which denounced the frequent incidents that occur while crossing border.

For the record, four women died last year in stampedes at the border post while trying to enter the enclave.