France, Aug. 17 -- At the end of July, between 70,000 and 80,000 people crossed into the enclave from neighbouring Morocco. Most have since left, but Jimenez said thousands remain in Ceuta, including large numbers of children.

Many of those still stranded are asylum seekers from countries including Sudan, Yemen, Chad, Mali and Egypt. Some migrants have told aid workers they would rather die than return to Morocco.

Spanish authorities have sent additional police to Ceuta amid rumours of possible new arrivals, while on Sunday hundreds of migrants gathered on a beach to demand asylum and oppose any return to Morocco.

Jimenez spoke to RFI about the migrants still in the enclave, their living conditions and the response from Spain.

RFI: Ma...