Melilla is a Spanish exclave in North Africa, located on the Mediterranean coast of Morocco. Politically it belongs to Spain, yet geographically to Africa. The city has a population of approximately 65.000 people and covers a territory of twelve km2. Its eleven km long separation barrier to Morocco consists of two parallel six-meters high fences topped with barbed wire and with regular watchtowers. Underground cables connect spotlights, noise and movement sensors, and video cameras to a central control office. Constructed by Spain, the fence´s stated purpose is to stop smuggling and illegal immigration into Europe.
 
In October 2005 Melilla got into international headlines with nightly mass intrusions of African refugees, which tried to reach European territory from the Moroccan border. Some hundreds of them succeeded.
 
In spring/summer 2006 the Melilla border-fence has been massively rearmed with financial help in the amount of 28 Million Euro from the European Union. Since then the refugees make their long and burdensome way to Europe mostly by boat, via the canary islands. The frontier in Melilla and the living circumstances of its citizens are about to be forgotten.
 
 
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