AU Urges Probe Into Deaths Of African Migrants In Spanish Region

The head of the African Union Commission has voiced his shock at the violent treatment of African migrants trying to cross from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Melilla after the death of 23 sub-Saharan Africans.

The AU Commission chief Moussa Faki Mahamat on Monday said; "I call for an immediate investigation into the matter and remind all countries of their obligations under international law to treat all migrants with dignity and to prioritise their safety and human rights while refraining from the use of excessive force.

"I express my deep shock and concern at the violent and degrading treatment of African migrants attempting to cross an international border from Morocco into Spain."

About 2,000 migrants stormed the border between the Moroccan region of Nador and Melilla on Friday.

And at least 23 migrants died and 140 police officers were wounded in the ensuing violence, this according to Moroccan authorities.

Omar Naji, from the Nador office of the Moroccan Association for Human Rights (AMDH) also added; "It's the first time that we have seen this level of violence by migrants themselves against security forces.

"Migrants are treated very harshly. There's no doubt that this pressure has generated the unprecedented violence we're seeing."