Morocco building Melilla wall

Morocco has reportedly started the construction of a blade-topped wall near Spain’s African territory of Melilla in an effort to dissuade would-be migrants from crossing into Europe.

Activists confirmed the building-work, with a spokesperson from the Rif Association for Human Rights, confirming press reports.

The activist organisation released a statement saying:

“Construction work for a barrier began about twenty days ago.

“According to information gathered by our association, these barriers will be five metres high and will be topped with blades.”

Apparently, said ditch-digging work has begun on the Moroccan side of the border with the intention of building a wall.

Melilla, on Morocco’s northern coast, is one of only two land borders between the European Union and Africa. The other border is at Spanish territory Ceuta.

Both Ceuta and Melilla have recently seen a flood of illegal border crossings by African migrants seeking a better life in Europe.

Prime Minister of Spain Mariano Rajoy has urged the EU to provide more money and resources in order to help with border control.

Back in March, around 1,000 people attempted to cross the Melilla border, with half of them getting through. This was the biggest such crossing in nearly a decade.