Young Moroccans in Ceuta: About the fence in a new life

Global society

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Europe begins in the north of Africa: The city of Ceuta is located in the extreme north-west of Morocco - and belongs to Spain. The European mainland is exactly one ferry away. When the weather is good, you can see the rocks of Gibraltar, then stand out like a monster from the spray of the Mediterranean Sea.

Many Moroccan teenagers dream of getting to the other side of the strait. Every day they smuggle over the border fence into the port of Ceuta and from there on a ferry. It was 3344 last year, significantly more than in previous years. Meanwhile, Spain has become the most popular route for migrants to the European Union.

For hours the teens prepare to leap into the dreamed freedom. Most are boys between the ages of 14 and 18 years. The port of the Spanish exclave is heavily guarded, the fences are secured with sharp steel blades. These fences, these blades must overcome them, if possible without being seen by the Spanish police.

The photographer Louis Witter has accompanied them, asking why they dare the dangerous jump - and captured the decisive moments with the camera.

photo gallery

15 pictures

This article is part of the project Global Society, for which our reporters report from four continents. The project is long-term and supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

What is the project Global Society?

Under the title Global Society, reporters from Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe will be reporting on injustices in a globalized world, socio-political challenges and sustainable development. The reportages, analyzes, photo galleries, videos and podcasts appear in the Politics Department of SPIEGEL. The project is long-term and will be supported over three years by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF).

Are the journalistic contents independent of the foundation?

Yes. The editorial content is created without the influence of the Gates Foundation.

Do other media have similar projects?

Yes. Major European media such as "The Guardian" and "El País" have created similar sections on their news pages with "Global Development" or "Planeta Futuro" with the support of the Gates Foundation.

Was there already similar projects at SPIEGEL ONLINE?

SPIEGEL ONLINE has already implemented two projects in recent years with the European Journalism Center (EJC) and the support of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation: The "Expedition The Day After tomorrow" on Global Sustainability Goals and the journalistic refugee project "The New Arrivals" Several award-winning multimedia reports on the topics of migration and escape have emerged.

Where can I find all the publications on the Global Society?

The pieces can be found at SPIEGEL ONLINE on the topic page Global Society.