In September 2024, migration through the Darien Gap rose significantly, primarily led by Venezuelans amid increased political unrest post-elections. While 2023 saw a record number of crossings, recent government efforts to curb migration have faced challenges as humanitarian assistance diminishes. The impact of suspended aid organizations complicates the plight of migrants, particularly the Venezuelan population, amidst a tumultuous political landscape.
In September, migration through the treacherous Darien Gap, the geographic passage between Colombia and Panama, continued to increase significantly, predominantly driven by Venezuelan nationals following their country’s recent elections. Reports from the Panamanian government indicated a sharp escalation in the number of migrants traversing this hazardous route, correlating with a wave of emigration triggered by political unrest in Venezuela. The rise in migration is largely attributed to the intensified crackdown following the Venezuelan presidential elections held on July 28, 2024, according to Refugees International, which conducted numerous interviews with migrants in Panama and Costa Rica. In the year preceding this increase, over half a million migrants, a historic record, braved the Darien Gap, with more than 65% identified as Venezuelan. Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino, who assumed office on July 1, 2024, has vowed to mitigate migration pressures by shutting down several entry points to the country and implementing a repatriation initiative. This initiative, intended to be supported by the United States, has involved additional flights to various countries. However, Venezuelan migrants are not included in this plan due to Panama’s severed diplomatic ties with Venezuela, following the non-recognition of Nicolás Maduro’s claimed electoral victory. As of October 7, 2024, the total number of migrants documented crossing through the Darien Gap this year amounted to 277,939, a 36% decrease compared to the same timeframe in 2023. Nonetheless, September alone recorded 25,111 crossings, reflecting a 51% uptick from August, predominantly comprising Venezuelan migrants. Other nationals included Colombians, Ecuadorians, and individuals from various other countries. Despite measures aimed at reducing migration, the humanitarian situation for migrants in Panama has reportedly deteriorated. Refugees International noted that upon exiting the Darien Gap, migrants encounter diminished humanitarian assistance, with non-Venezuelan migrants facing the precarious threat of deportation. The suspension of humanitarian aid by Doctors Without Borders (MSF) earlier this year has exacerbated the situation, stemming from a lapse in their agreement with Panama’s Ministry of Health. MSF’s suspension followed accusations against the Panamanian authorities concerning a failure to address alarming rates of sexual violence in the Darien region earlier in 2024. Recently, MSF resumed operations at the Lajas Blancas reception station, having received approval from authorities for a three-month medical intervention, during which they had previously provided substantial medical care to over 72,700 migrants from January 2023 to February 2024.
The Darien Gap has long been recognized as one of the most perilous migration routes in the world. Stretching through dense jungles and challenging terrains, it has seen a marked increase in migrant crossings, significantly from Venezuelan nationals. Political instability, notably following the contentious elections in Venezuela, has prompted mass emigration as many seek refuge or better opportunities abroad. Humanitarian organizations, such as Doctors Without Borders, play a crucial role in providing necessary support to these vulnerable populations; however, recent setbacks in their operations have highlighted the increasing challenges faced by migrants.
The surge in migration through the Darien Gap reflects ongoing humanitarian and political crises in Venezuela, exacerbated by inadequate support systems for migrants in Panama. Despite government efforts to control the influx, the interlinking issues of political unrest, humanitarian aid shortages, and diplomatic tensions are central to the complexities of migration patterns in this region.
Original Source: apnews.com
