BTN News: Colombian President Gustavo Petro will join other leaders this Monday at the inauguration of José Raul Mulino as Panama’s new president. The relationship between these neighboring leaders will depend on how they handle the migrant crisis in the Darién Gap. This jungle area separates their countries. Mulino, a seasoned public servant known for his firm stance, wants to “close” the Darién and send irregular migrants back. This is a significant change with regional implications.
Closing the Border Is a Philosophical Idea
President Mulino says closing the border is more of a philosophical idea. He knows it is impossible to build barriers in this difficult geography. The dense Darién jungle was once a natural barrier, but now many migrants pass through it. In 2024 alone, nearly 200,000 people have crossed the Darién, aiming to reach the United States.
The Number of Migrants Has Increased Greatly in Recent Years
The number of migrants crossing the Darién has increased greatly in recent years. Over 130,000 migrants, mainly Haitians and Cubans, crossed in 2021. This number rose to 250,000 in 2022, with more Venezuelan and Ecuadorian migrants. Last year, more than half a million, mostly Venezuelans, braved these dangerous routes. On the Colombian side, the Gulf Clan profits from migrant trafficking. Migrants face many hardships on the Panamanian side.
The Darién Is a Humanitarian Crisis
The Darién is a dangerous area with steep, slippery paths and fast rivers. It is a humanitarian crisis without end, as documented by many human rights organizations. Migrants from Venezuela, Haiti, Ecuador, Colombia, and even from Asia and Africa, risk their lives and face abuses from criminal groups. This includes sexual violence, with little protection or help, as reported by Human Rights Watch (HRW).
Panama’s Policy of Controlled Flow of Migrants
Panama has chosen a controlled flow policy. They transfer migrants from their southern border to their northern border. This allows migrants to continue their journey. This policy does not focus on integrating or accommodating the migrants.
Tense Relations Between Panama and Colombia
Relations between Panama and Colombia have always been tense. This is partly because Panama is seen as a fiscal paradise, which concerns Colombia. Analyst Ronal Rodríguez from the Observatorio de Venezuela in Bogotá notes that Mulino’s plan to block the Darién pass could lead to more tension between the two countries.
Cooperation Between Colombia, the United States, and Panama
Colombian Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo recently agreed to restart cooperation between Colombia, the United States, and Panama. This followed a meeting with Alejandro Mayorkas, the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security. Mayorkas leads the U.S. team at Mulino’s inauguration. They aim to sign a deal with Panama to send irregular migrants back to their home countries.
Regional Policy Changes and Humanitarian Concerns
Rodríguez warns that Panama’s new stance aligns with other countries in the region. These countries follow the U.S. migration control policy. This change could make the humanitarian crisis worse by creating bottlenecks of migrants on the Colombian side. Colombian authorities might not be ready for this. Strong diplomacy with Panama is essential to prevent this and manage the migration crisis well.
Expert Opinions on Closing the Darién Gap
Juan Pappier from HRW says closing the Darién is nearly impossible. Trying to do so could backfire. Migrants might choose even more dangerous routes. Organized crime would benefit, and both Colombia and Panama would have less control over their border. He suggests a joint strategy to protect migrants, investigate abuses, and promote legal and safe migration pathways.
Conclusion
The inauguration of José Raul Mulino as Panama’s president comes at a critical time for regional migration policies. The decisions by Mulino and Petro will greatly impact the humanitarian situation in the Darién and the region. Cooperation and careful planning are essential to address the ongoing crisis and protect the migrants.
