By José Manuel Martínez / Translated by Samai Páez
The Tapón del Darién is a jungle strip that extends between Northern Colombia and Southern Panama, along approximately 97 kilometers wide. This terrain, difficult to access, is characterized by its dense vegetation, with a humid and unstable climate. Depending on how much they can afford, people should walk between four and ten days, going up and down mountains, crossing mighty rivers and mud. Those who achieve this great crossing, take buses that travel through a large part of Central America and head North, through Mexico, to the border area with the United States.
Panama Migration statistics continue to reflect a decrease in the number of people crossing the dangerous Darien jungle. According to the last report, to date there has been a drop of 38% compared to the same period of 2023.
The National Migration Service has reported that, since January 2024, a total of 291 774 people people have entered Panama irregularly through the Darien jungle. This figure is 181 144 less than in the same period of 2023, when 472 918 migrants arrived in Panama, with final destination in the United States.
In total 530 085 migrants crossed the irregular route of the Darien jungle, between Colombia and Panama. Of these, 406 905 were adults and 113 180 were children and adolescents, which generated great concern in the Ombudsman's Office due to an increase of 110 % compared to 2022.
Repatriation
This lower flow is attributed to greater biometric control after a migration agreement signed between Panama and the United States, where part of the resources are intended to repatriate. The national budget covers the acquisition of equipment for border control.
President Mulino underlined the fall in the number of irregular migrants entering the country through the Darien jungle, and announced the repatriation of 1031 people. "It is important to note that the migratory flow has decreased significantly," said Mulino, who also stressed that there have already been 26 repatriation flights since operations began in August.
Despite this, he said that the loss of undocumented immigrants is also caused by the heavy rains that caused the flooding of the rivers. This phenomenon, coupled with the presence of criminal gangs operating in the area, has been described as a risk factor, which could be deterring many migrants from following this dangerous route.
Another important cause, according to the authorities, is that it is a "diversification of route"." The Ombudsman's Office of Colombia has been warning about the increase in the migratory flow from San Andrés Island to the Corn Island of Nicaragua, where migrants by land or in a Central American van, continue their journey, meeting at that point with those who did it through the Darien jungle.
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