In September 2024, the migration through the Darien Gap escalated, primarily driven by Venezuelans fleeing political unrest following recent elections. The total number of migrants has reached a record, with significant implications for humanitarian aid in Panama. Political actions and closures of borders have led to increasing challenges for migrants seeking asylum and safety in a new country.
In September 2024, the Panamanian government reported a significant rise in the number of migrants crossing the Darien Gap, a treacherous jungle route from Colombia to Panama. This increase was largely attributed to Venezuelans, who have constituted a predominant portion of crossers since 2022, especially following the controversial presidential elections in Venezuela. A report by Refugees International highlighted that the political crackdown following the July 28 elections contributed to a surge in emigration, following interviews with numerous migrants located in reception stations across Panama and Costa Rica. Despite a record-breaking total of over 500,000 migrants crossing the Darien in 2023, with more than 65% being Venezuelan, Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino, who assumed office on July 1, has sought to reduce migration flow by closing access points and initiating a repatriation program in cooperation with the United States. The U.S. has committed to covering the costs of deportation flights for inadmissible migrants. However, this program has not extended to Venezuelans, as Panama halted diplomatic interactions with Caracas in response to nondisclosure of the electoral victory claimed by Nicolás Maduro, effectively grounding flights between the two nations. As of early October, 2024, Panamanian authorities reported that 277,939 migrants had crossed the Darien this year—a 36% decrease compared to the same timeframe in 2023. However, a marked increase in September brought that month’s total to 25,111 migrants, reflecting a 51% rise from August, predominantly composed of Venezuelans. Other nationalities included Colombians, Ecuadorians, and migrants from various countries. The increasing difficulty for migrants in Panama was noted in the Refugees International report, emphasizing a reduction in humanitarian assistance following the suspension of Doctors Without Borders (MSF) by the prior Panamanian government early in March due to an expired agreement with the Ministry of Health. MSF’s suspension was perceived as a reaction to allegations against Panamanian authorities concerning their failure to address rising sexual violence in the Darien early in 2024. Recently, MSF has resumed its operations at the Lajas Blancas reception station, having received approval for a temporary medical intervention, and reported that it had provided medical services to over 72,700 migrants during the previous period before the suspension.
The Darien Gap serves as a perilous transit route for migrants seeking to reach the United States, with the terrain posing numerous challenges. The rise in migration from Venezuela can be traced back to socio-political instability and economic hardship faced by its citizens, which has prompted mass emigration. The recent presidential elections in Venezuela have intensified the migration crisis, leading many to seek safety and better prospects in other countries. As Panama steps in to manage the influx, the challenge lies not only in policymaking but also in responding to the humanitarian needs of those traversing this hazardous route, particularly as assistance groups face operational challenges in the area.
The ongoing surge in migration through the Darien Gap illustrates the compounded effects of political instability in Venezuela and the humanitarian challenges faced by migrants in Panama. Despite attempts by the Panamanian government to control migration through restrictive measures, the reality reflects an urgent need for comprehensive policies and increased humanitarian support for those navigating this perilous journey. The situation bears witness to the broader implications of regional instability and the complexities of migration management.
Original Source: apnews.com
