NAIROBI, June 27, 2022 (BSS/AFP) - The African Union Commission chief has

voiced his shock at the "violent and degrading" treatment of African migrants
trying to cross from Morocco into Spain after 23 people died, and called for
an investigation in the incident.

About 2,000 migrants stormed the heavily-fortified border between the
Moroccan region of Nador and the Spanish enclave of Melilla on Friday.

At least 23 migrants died and 140 police officers were wounded in the ensuing
violence, according to Moroccan authorities. It was the heaviest toll in
years of such attempts to cross the frontier at Melilla.

"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," AU Commission chief Moussa Faki Mahamat said in a statement on
Twitter late Sunday.

"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."