The government wants the African Union (AU) to lead broader discussions examining the root causes of irregular migration, including economic hardship, conflict and insecurity that drive people to leave their home countries. The initiative follows weeks of protests demanding the deportation of undocumented migrants and reports of attacks against some foreign nationals.

International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola said Wednesday that South Africa is advocating for a coordinated continental response that also considers migration pressures elsewhere in Africa, including the recent mass border crossing from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, where more than 80 people died.

Regional Leaders Expected to Discuss Migration

Migration is expected to feature prominently during the Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit later this month in Durban, where leaders from countries including Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe are scheduled to attend.

Those countries have been repatriating some of their citizens from South Africa following recent unrest and rising anti-immigration sentiment.

South Africa’s call for broader discussions follows the African Union’s decision last week to reject a proposal by Ghana to place South Africa’s migration tensions on the agenda of the bloc’s October coordination meeting. Pretoria argued that such a move would unfairly single out one country instead of addressing migration challenges affecting multiple regions across Africa.

Lamola said he recently held discussions with Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama and representatives of Nigerian President Bola Tinubu as part of diplomatic efforts surrounding the issue.

According to Lamola, future talks should examine the economic, political and security factors driving irregular migration throughout the continent.

Domestic Protests Continue

Anti-illegal immigration groups have continued holding demonstrations across South Africa, demanding stronger border security, faster deportations and stricter enforcement of immigration laws.

Organizers have pledged to stage protests every Thursday until their demands are addressed.

The demonstrations have also raised concerns about the safety of foreign nationals, with some migrants reporting violent attacks during the unrest.

Government figures show that approximately 68,000 people were repatriated between June and July. Officials said most were citizens of Malawi, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, although authorities have not distinguished between voluntary departures and formal deportations.

Border Management Measures Adjusted

South Africa’s Border Management Agency has also reduced the capacity of its temporary repatriation facility in Musina, near the Beitbridge border crossing with Zimbabwe, from 20,000 people to 1,500.

The move comes as authorities continue reviewing border management operations while balancing domestic political pressure, humanitarian concerns and relations with neighboring countries.

Although South Africa hopes to elevate migration policy discussions to the African Union level, no continent-wide meeting has yet been scheduled.

This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.

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The political dispute follows the arrival of an estimated 72,000 migrants in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta over two days, triggering one of the largest migration emergencies in the territory’s history. Spanish and Moroccan authorities said more than 80 people died during the crossings, while most migrants later returned to Morocco.

The crisis has prompted renewed debate over how the European Union should respond to large-scale migration while balancing border protection with humanitarian obligations.

European Leaders Split on Migration Policy

The issue dominated discussions among EU leaders in Brussels, where several governments questioned Spain’s handling of the crisis.

Although many leaders publicly expressed support for Sánchez after the meetings, analysts said the dispute highlighted broader divisions within the European Union as it simultaneously confronts security concerns involving Russia, economic competition with China and evolving relations with the United States.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called for stronger external border controls and announced plans to reinforce Italy’s air and maritime monitoring involving Spain.

Analysts noted that the political disagreement extends beyond Ceuta itself.

Matteo Villa of the Italian Institute for Political Studies said relatively few migrants arriving in Ceuta ultimately travel to Italy, while Nando Sigona, a professor at the University of Birmingham, said Meloni also opposed Spain’s proposal to potentially legalize hundreds of thousands of undocumented migrants, making the issue politically significant across Europe.

Court Ruling Fuels Political Debate

A recent ruling by Spain’s Supreme Court became a central point of disagreement.

The decision requires legal procedures before migrants arriving by sea can be deported, unlike those who enter Ceuta through its land border or by climbing the border fence.

A joint letter signed by Meloni and 21 other European leaders argued that the ruling encouraged more migrants to attempt the crossing.

Sánchez rejected that criticism, saying Spain’s response complied with European law and humanitarian obligations.

He argued that criminal smuggling networks misrepresented the court’s decision to encourage migrants to travel to Ceuta and noted that Spain had previously supported other EU countries by accepting migrants relocated from Belarus in 2021 and Italy’s island of Lampedusa in 2023.

Spain and Morocco Exchange Accusations

Spain and Morocco also offered differing explanations for the crisis.

A senior Moroccan diplomat said Rabat believed Spain’s court ruling created expectations that migrants arriving by sea would receive greater legal protection.

Spanish officials rejected that claim.

Defense Minister Margarita Robles called on Morocco to investigate how tens of thousands of migrants were able to approach the border within such a short period.

Gil Arias, a former deputy executive director of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex), said Moroccan authorities were likely aware of the large-scale movement toward Ceuta.

The Moroccan diplomat dismissed that suggestion, saying Morocco should not be expected to serve as “Europe’s police.”

Migration Debate Extends Across Europe

The Ceuta crisis has renewed wider discussions about the European Union’s migration strategy.

Several member states continue supporting stricter border enforcement under the European Migration and Asylum Pact, which expands powers to detain, process and return migrants to designated safe countries or external return centers.

According to Frontex, irregular border crossings into the European Union fell 37% during the first half of 2026 compared with the previous year.

Frontex Executive Director Hans Leijtens attributed the decline to stronger cooperation with neighboring countries.

Migration advocates, however, argued that the humanitarian challenges exposed by the Ceuta crisis remain unresolved.

Michele LeVoy, director of the Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants, said political disagreements continue to overshadow the humanitarian needs of migrants.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said the events in Ceuta demonstrated the need for stronger European mechanisms to respond when migration is used as a geopolitical tool while preserving coordinated action among EU member states.

This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.

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Spanish officials said about 860 children were still in Ceuta on Monday, four days after tens of thousands of migrants crossed into the territory from neighboring Morocco by swimming around border barriers or entering through the sea.

Authorities said 72 people died during the crossing, most of them in the Mediterranean Sea. Morocco separately reported 11 additional deaths that are not included in Spain’s official toll.

Teenager Describes Family Tragedy

Among those waiting for assistance is a 17-year-old girl from Tangier who said she became separated from her mother after witnessing her younger brother drown during the crossing.

The Associated Press is not identifying the teenager because she is a minor in a vulnerable situation.

She said her family joined thousands of others hoping to reach Ceuta in search of better opportunities. During the crossing, she said she saw Spanish police recover the body of her 8-year-old brother from the water.

After reaching the enclave, she survived with food and clothing provided by local residents. One woman allowed her to bathe at her home before she sought help at a government-run youth center, which had already reached capacity.

“I saw people stepping on the dead,” she said through a translator. “Now we are children begging on the street.”

Associated Press journalists also observed other migrant children asking residents for food.

Spanish Law Provides Protection for Minors

The estimated 860 unaccompanied children account for a significant share of the roughly 3,000 to 5,000 migrants who remain in Ceuta after an estimated 60,000 people crossed into the enclave.

Most adult Moroccan migrants have either returned voluntarily or been sent back by Spanish authorities.

Under Spanish law, adults may apply for asylum, although Moroccan nationals are rarely granted humanitarian protection if their applications are denied.

Unaccompanied children, however, are entitled to government protection and care.

An Associated Press journalist witnessed Spanish soldiers escorting a Moroccan boy toward the border despite his repeated pleas not to be returned.

Local residents intervened, telling soldiers the child was a minor. After media arrived at the scene, a Spanish Army lieutenant colonel stopped the repatriation and transferred the boy to the Spanish Civil Guard.

Reception Centers Struggle to Cope

Ceuta’s main migrant reception center, designed to accommodate about 600 people, remains full.

According to Associated Press journalists, food shortages have also been reported, while many migrants continue sleeping on beaches and in the surrounding hills because no shelter space is available.

Those remaining in Ceuta include not only Moroccans but also migrants from Sudan, Gaza, Afghanistan and several African countries.

Ramsés Mohamed Azumik, a migration activist with Asociación Elín, accused authorities of allowing conditions to deteriorate in an effort to encourage migrants to return voluntarily to Morocco.

He said hunger, thirst and exhaustion were placing increasing pressure on people who remain in the enclave.

Spanish authorities continue processing asylum requests and providing protection for unaccompanied children. However, hundreds of young migrants still face an uncertain future as officials work to manage one of the largest migration emergencies in Ceuta’s recent history.

This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.

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The military will assist Spain’s Civil Guard in restoring security along the border. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska are scheduled to visit Ceuta on Friday to oversee the government’s response.

The mass crossings have intensified pressure on Spain as authorities work to regain control of one of the European Union’s external borders.

Border Security Overwhelmed

Officials in Ceuta requested urgent support from Spain’s central government after large groups of migrants crossed into the enclave on Thursday.

Spain’s government said the armed forces would support the Civil Guard in maintaining public order throughout the city.

Rachid Sbihi, head of the association representing Civil Guard officers stationed in Ceuta, described the situation as unprecedented.

“The border has totally collapsed,” Sbihi told The Associated Press.

He said authorities could not provide an accurate count because migrants continued arriving in large numbers.

Video from the border showed crowds, most of them Moroccan nationals, walking around the Tarajal beach breakwaters and entering Spanish territory.

Many appeared to be young men, although families with women and young children were also among those crossing. Some migrants shouted “Viva España!” as they entered Ceuta.

Spain’s government delegation in the enclave confirmed that at least nine people died during Thursday’s events but did not specify the cause of the fatalities.

Bodies were seen in the water near the crossing point. Local authorities also said dozens of people have died this year while attempting to reach Ceuta.

Spain and Morocco Coordinate Response

Spain’s Interior Ministry said Moroccan authorities were cooperating to help contain the crossings.

According to the ministry, Moroccan police intercepted numerous people attempting to reach the border.

Madrid and Rabat also agreed to work together to facilitate the return of migrants who entered Ceuta illegally.

Although migration attempts had been increasing before Thursday, officials said they had not identified a definitive reason for the sudden surge.

Morocco’s government had not publicly commented on the incident, and its Interior Ministry did not respond to requests for comment, according to the supplied material.

Spain’s Interior Ministry also rejected calls from Ceuta’s regional government to declare a national emergency.

The ministry said Spain’s emergency legislation does not classify migration flows as a national security emergency and that government agencies remain fully coordinated to manage the situation.

Regional Pressure Grows

The crisis prompted concern elsewhere in Europe.

According to the supplied material, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni threatened to suspend Italy’s participation in the Schengen open-border arrangement with Spain, saying the move would be intended to protect Italy’s borders and public safety, despite the two countries not sharing a land frontier.

Ceuta regional president Juan Jesús Vivas had previously warned that migrant reception centers were operating beyond capacity after more than 1,500 people entered the enclave during the previous week.

Thousands more crossed overnight into Thursday, leaving hundreds of migrants sleeping outdoors.

Spain’s Interior Ministry declined to provide updated migration figures before its next official report, scheduled for Aug. 3.

Government data published through July 15 showed nearly 3,000 migrants had reached Ceuta by land or sea so far this year.

Longstanding Migration Route

Local authorities have linked the recent rise in arrivals to a Spanish Supreme Court ruling that prevents the immediate return of migrants arriving by sea without legal process.

The ruling does not apply to migrants entering Spain over land, including those crossing Ceuta’s border.

Some Moroccan human rights activists questioned whether the ruling contributed to the latest surge, arguing that most migrants were unlikely to have known about the court’s decision.

Ceuta, located on Spain’s North African coast, remains one of the main entry points into Europe for migrants seeking economic opportunities or fleeing conflict.

Many attempt the crossing by swimming several kilometers from the Moroccan towns of Fnideq or Belyounech.

The latest events recalled the May 2021 migration crisis, when more than 8,000 migrants entered Ceuta within two days during a diplomatic dispute between Spain and Morocco over the Polisario Front leader Brahim Ghali.

Spanish authorities are now focused on restoring order, managing humanitarian needs and coordinating with Morocco on border security and migrant returns.

This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.

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Police said the protests were largely peaceful despite isolated incidents of looting and attempted looting. Authorities confirmed several arrests but did not immediately disclose how many people had been taken into custody.

Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi praised demonstrators who protested peacefully while warning that those responsible for criminal acts would face legal consequences.

“Those who chose to exploit the marches to commit criminal acts will face the full might of the law,” Kubayi said. “Police will continue to identify, arrest and prosecute all those responsible for criminal conduct.”

Migration Debate Fuels Nationwide Demonstrations

The demonstrations followed a June 30 deadline set by several anti-immigration groups demanding that undocumented migrants leave South Africa.

Activists argue that illegal immigration contributes to unemployment, crime and pressure on public services by increasing competition for jobs and resources.

South Africa’s government has rejected the deadline, emphasizing that immigration enforcement remains the responsibility of state authorities.

Among the organizations leading the demonstrations were March and March, Operation Dudula and Progressive Forces.

President Cyril Ramaphosa met with leaders of some protest groups on Monday, urging them to conduct peaceful demonstrations while rejecting claims that migrants are primarily responsible for the country’s economic and social challenges.

Protest Leaders Cite Crime and Employment Concerns

Ngizwe Mchunu, one of the protest organizers, told The Associated Press that illegal immigration has contributed to drug trafficking and increased competition for small businesses.

He criticized the number of neighborhood shops operated by immigrants from other African countries and argued they should instead be owned by South African citizens.

“It is time for our government to put South Africa first,” Mchunu said.

Marchers in Johannesburg included men carrying traditional fighting sticks and women waving South African flags while singing liberation songs.

Demonstrators carried signs calling for South Africa to withdraw from the United Nations Refugee Convention and expressing concerns about immigration and public services.

One protester, Nkele Thebe, said demonstrators wanted the government to act on illegal immigration without outside interference.

Another participant, Bongani Cindi, argued that concerns over undocumented migration should not automatically be dismissed as xenophobia.

Rights Groups Reject Claims Blaming Migrants

Amnesty International South Africa criticized efforts to blame migrants, refugees and asylum seekers for the country’s economic difficulties.

The organization argued that unemployment, inequality and strained public services are rooted in the legacy of apartheid, persistent economic disparities and shortcomings in South Africa’s asylum system.

Executive Director Shenilla Mohamed warned that misinformation and xenophobic rhetoric could increase the risk of violence against foreign nationals while diverting attention from broader structural challenges facing the country.

Heavy Security Presence Across Major Cities

Protests also took place in Durban and parts of the North West and Free State provinces.

Police deployed hundreds of officers in Johannesburg, Durban and other areas to prevent violence.

Many businesses, including shops owned by both South Africans and foreign nationals, closed before demonstrators arrived. In some communities, private security companies were hired to protect commercial properties.

Previous anti-immigration demonstrations in South Africa have resulted in attacks on migrants and damage to foreign-owned businesses, making authorities particularly cautious ahead of Tuesday’s protests.

Growing Number of Migrants Leave South Africa

As demonstrations continued, increasing numbers of migrants sought assistance from their embassies and consulates to return home voluntarily.

Thousands of people, primarily from neighboring Zimbabwe and Malawi, requested transportation back to their countries.

Officials reported increased traffic at the Beitbridge border crossing between South Africa and Zimbabwe as buses carrying departing migrants left the country.

Thousands of Malawian nationals also returned home through a temporary repatriation center established in Durban.

Nigeria has likewise seen an increase in voluntary returns. Three groups of Nigerian migrants have returned this month, including 271 people who arrived in Lagos on Tuesday.

Nigerian authorities said 632 citizens have now been repatriated after more than 1,000 registered for voluntary return, with additional flights expected.

Migrants Describe Fear and Uncertainty

Some returning migrants said they left because they no longer felt safe.

Emmanuella Akagbosun, who moved from Nigeria to South Africa in 2017, said she feared for her life after the shop she shared with her sister was looted during anti-migrant unrest.

“We are not safe, so we had to leave,” she said after arriving in Lagos.

Another Nigerian returnee, Fintan Opara, who had lived in South Africa for 18 years, said many Nigerians no longer believed they were welcome in the country.

Justice Minister Kubayi said authorities have repatriated 4,286 individuals and deported an additional 419 people in recent days as immigration enforcement continues.

Tags: South Africa, Immigration, Cyril Ramaphosa, Operation Dudula, Amnesty International, Johannesburg, Durban, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Xenophobia, Migration

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The shift marks a significant political development in a region where progressive leaders gained power in several major countries earlier this decade amid public frustration over inequality and the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, rising fears surrounding organized crime, extortion and cross-border criminal networks are increasingly influencing election campaigns and voter priorities.

Analysts and human rights advocates cited in public discussions say the trend reflects a broader regional debate over how governments should address persistent insecurity while balancing democratic institutions and civil liberties.

Security Becomes Dominant Electoral Issue

Crime has emerged as one of the most influential political issues in several Latin American countries, helping conservative and populist candidates build support through promises of rapid security improvements.

Enrique Roig, vice president of Human Rights First and a former U.S. State Department official, said an increasingly coordinated right-wing movement in the region has successfully used public concerns about crime as a political mobilizing tool.

Adam Isacson of the Washington Office on Latin America argued that voters frustrated by violence often favor policies that promise immediate results, even when long-term reforms may offer more sustainable solutions.

According to Isacson, proposals traditionally associated with the political left—such as community violence prevention programs, police reforms and judicial improvements—typically require years to show measurable outcomes, while hardline security campaigns offer voters a more immediate sense of action.

Organized Crime Continues to Shape Public Anxiety

Although regional homicide rates have generally declined over the past decade, several countries continue to experience significant violence linked to organized crime.

Data from InSight Crime indicated that Latin America and the Caribbean recorded a combined homicide rate decline of more than 5% last year compared with 2024, averaging roughly 17.6 killings per 100,000 residents. However, several countries have moved in the opposite direction.

Authorities in Peru recorded approximately 2,400 homicides last year, while Colombia reported 14,780 killings. Ecuador experienced a 31% increase in murders year over year, reaching 9,216 cases.

Officials and researchers have linked much of the violence to drug trafficking networks, prison gang conflicts and expanding criminal organizations operating across national borders.

Extortion has also become a growing concern. Ecuadorian authorities reported more than 16,000 extortion cases last year, though experts have suggested the true figure may be significantly higher because many incidents go unreported.

Bukele’s Model Gains Regional Influence

The security policies implemented by Bukele in El Salvador have become a frequent reference point for politicians seeking office elsewhere in the region.

Several candidates have promoted stricter border controls, expanded military involvement in public security and tougher prison conditions for gang members.

In Chile, concerns about crime and migration helped strengthen support for conservative leader José Antonio Kast, who campaigned on promises that included tougher immigration enforcement and stricter anti-gang measures. During his campaign, Kast visited El Salvador to observe Bukele’s prison system firsthand.

In Peru, presidential candidate Keiko Fujimori has centered much of her campaign on restoring public order amid rising concerns over extortion and organized crime. Her platform includes proposals to increase military involvement in prisons and border security.

Similar law-and-order themes have also played a significant role in recent elections in Costa Rica and Honduras.

Democracy Concerns Accompany Security Debate

The growing appeal of hardline security policies has sparked debate among academics, human rights advocates and political observers about the long-term implications for democratic governance.

Eduardo Moncada, director of the Institute of Latin American Studies at Columbia University, said declining public confidence in institutions has contributed to greater public openness toward more aggressive security approaches.

According to Moncada, some voters increasingly question whether democratic systems are capable of addressing crime effectively, creating space for leaders who promise stronger executive action.

The challenge has become particularly difficult for left-leaning governments that have struggled with sluggish economic growth, corruption controversies and unmet reform expectations in recent years.

Even some progressive leaders have adopted tougher rhetoric or security measures in response to public concerns. Examples cited in recent political debates include emergency anti-gang measures in Guatemala and statements from regional leaders suggesting elements of Bukele’s approach deserve examination.

Campaign Promises Face Governing Constraints

Despite their electoral appeal, security-focused campaign pledges have often encountered obstacles once candidates take office.

In Ecuador, President Daniel Noboa entered office promising major anti-crime initiatives, including large prison projects and other aggressive security measures. Some proposals were later scaled back or delayed as his administration confronted financial limitations and institutional challenges.

Chile has faced similar difficulties. Efforts to rapidly implement large-scale deportations and other security promises have proven more complicated than campaign rhetoric suggested.

Political analysts note that governing larger and more complex democracies presents challenges that differ significantly from conditions in El Salvador, where Bukele’s party maintains overwhelming legislative control.

As crime continues to dominate political discourse across Latin America, governments throughout the region are confronting the challenge of balancing demands for stronger security with legal, financial and democratic constraints. Whether voters remain supportive of hardline approaches may depend on whether those policies deliver measurable improvements in public safety.

Tags: Latin America, Nayib Bukele, Crime, Organized Crime, Elections, Migration, Security Policy, Democracy

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Associated Press journalists who visited the Bamy Hotel in Malabo reported that at least 32 asylum seekers have been detained there since late 2025 after being deported from the United States. The report stated that many of the detainees had previously received protection from U.S. immigration judges before being transferred to Equatorial Guinea under a reported $7.5 million agreement between the two governments.

The detainees reportedly include people from Angola, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Mauritania. According to lawyers interviewed by AP, at least 25 of those held at the hotel have already been returned to their countries of origin despite fears of persecution, imprisonment or violence upon return.

Third-Country Deportation Policy Draws Criticism

Human rights advocates and immigration lawyers have criticized the growing use of third-country deportation agreements, arguing that the practice can circumvent protections granted through asylum proceedings.

AP reporting stated that the Trump administration has entered similar migration arrangements with multiple countries across Africa and other developing regions as part of a broader immigration enforcement strategy. Immigration advocates cited in the investigation argued that deporting asylum seekers to countries where they have no legal status or support networks creates indirect pressure to return to dangerous home countries.

A U.S. State Department spokesperson told AP that Washington remains committed to ending “illegal and mass immigration” but declined to comment on details of the Equatorial Guinea agreement. Authorities in Equatorial Guinea did not respond to requests for comment, according to the investigation.

The AP report described detainees as living under constant surveillance while facing uncertainty over their future legal status. Although no widespread physical abuse was reported, asylum seekers interviewed by the news organization described severe psychological distress and pressure from authorities to accept repatriation.

Human Rights Concerns Surround Equatorial Guinea

The arrangement has drawn additional concern because of Equatorial Guinea’s longstanding record of political repression and human rights abuses.

President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo has ruled the oil-rich Central African nation for decades, and international rights groups as well as U.S. government reports have repeatedly accused the government of corruption, arbitrary detention and suppression of dissent. AP reporting noted that the Bamy Hotel is owned by the ruling family.

The investigation also highlighted the close economic relationship between Equatorial Guinea and the United States despite longstanding criticism of the country’s governance record. U.S. energy companies remain major investors in the country’s oil sector, while Washington has continued military and diplomatic cooperation with Malabo.

Several detainees interviewed by AP described deteriorating mental and physical health conditions inside the hotel. One East African asylum seeker said he feared being imprisoned or killed if deported back to his home country. The individual stated he had suffered from malaria and typhoid while detained and described growing despair over his uncertain future.

International Oversight Remains Unclear

Representatives from the United Nations’ International Organization for Migration and the UN refugee agency reportedly visited the hotel shortly after some deportees arrived, but detainees told AP they received little follow-up assistance afterward. Equatorial Guinea does not maintain a formal asylum system, complicating efforts for deportees seeking legal protection.

International migration researchers have warned that expanding deportation agreements involving authoritarian governments may weaken established asylum protections under international law. Separate reporting and migration monitoring groups have documented similar arrangements involving countries including Eswatini, Rwanda and Paraguay.

The remaining asylum seekers held at the Bamy Hotel reportedly continue to face pressure to return to their countries of origin. Authorities have not publicly clarified how long the detainees may remain in Equatorial Guinea or whether additional deportation transfers are planned.

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Published: September-23-2025, 16:00 EDT

Dangerous Journey From Kabul to Delhi

Authorities in India confirmed that a 13-year-old Afghan boy made a perilous journey from Kabul to New Delhi by hiding inside the landing gear compartment of a Kam Air passenger plane. The incident has sparked renewed concerns about airport security, migration pressures, and the extreme risks some people take in search of escape or adventure.

The boy, originally from Kunduz in northern Afghanistan, was discovered on the runway at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport after the flight landed safely. He appeared disoriented but unharmed and was later detained by security personnel for questioning.

Discovery at Delhi Airport

According to India’s Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), the boy managed to board Kam Air flight RQ-4401 unnoticed. The plane landed in Delhi around 11:10 a.m. local time on Sunday. Soon after landing, airport authorities spotted the teenager wandering on the tarmac.

Officials said he admitted to concealing himself in the rear central landing gear compartment of the aircraft before departure from Kabul. Security staff also recovered a small red audio speaker in his possession during a post-landing inspection.

Confusion Over Destination

Reports in The Indian Express revealed that the boy had initially wanted to travel to Iran but mistakenly boarded a flight bound for Delhi. Investigators learned that he had sneaked into Kabul International Airport, trailed behind a group of passengers, and stowed away in the wheel well without detection.

The boy told Indian authorities he had acted “out of curiosity.” After hours of questioning, officials arranged for him to be returned to Kabul on the same flight.

Risks of Stowing Away in Aircraft

Aviation experts warn that hiding in the wheel well of a plane is among the most dangerous forms of travel. Passengers concealed in this space are exposed to extreme cold, low oxygen levels, and mechanical hazards during flight.

Most stowaways do not survive long-haul journeys. Those who do often lose consciousness during descent, with the risk of falling to their deaths when landing gear is deployed. Survivors are rare and often require immediate medical care upon arrival.

Other Known Incidents

This case is not the first of its kind. In 2022, a 22-year-old Kenyan man survived a flight from Africa to Amsterdam by hiding in the wheel well of a cargo plane. Similarly, other attempts in recent years to reach Europe or the United States have ended in fatalities.

These incidents highlight both the desperation and the risks faced by individuals seeking to leave conflict-affected or economically distressed regions. While some stowaways are motivated by necessity, others, like the Afghan teenager, act out of inexperience or curiosity.

Airport Security Concerns

The ease with which the boy accessed the aircraft has raised concerns about airport security protocols in Kabul. Aviation authorities in both Afghanistan and India are reviewing the case to understand how he managed to bypass multiple layers of screening and ground checks.

The incident underscores vulnerabilities at airports in conflict regions, where resources and oversight are often stretched thin. For airlines, it also presents liability and safety challenges, as stowaway incidents can endanger both the individual and the flight’s operation.

Conclusion

The 13-year-old Afghan boy’s survival inside the landing gear of a Kam Air flight is extraordinary but also troubling. His story sheds light on the dangers of unauthorized air travel, the ongoing challenges of airport security, and the human dimensions of migration and desperation.

While this case ended without tragedy, aviation experts stress that such risks almost never result in survival. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the lengths some individuals go to pursue escape, opportunity, or simple curiosity.

Source: BBC – Afghan boy flies from Kabul to Delhi hiding in plane’s landing gear

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