BTN News: In the late 1980s, many Panamanians left for Costa Rica, Colombia, the United States, and Spain. They fled because of political and economic troubles under General Manuel Antonio Noriega’s rule. This period saw many people seeking safety from a harsh government that took power in 1968. This situation makes us wonder: what if these countries had sent the refugees back to Panama?
New President José Raúl Mulino’s Plan to Address Migration Issues
This question comes up again with the new president, José Raúl Mulino. He was elected on May 5 and has promised to close the Darién Gap. This is a dangerous jungle path between Panama and Colombia that many migrants use. Mulino wants to stop the migration crisis by detaining and sending migrants back home. This plan might increase the already high tensions in the region, which need more caring solutions instead of harsh ones.
Concerns About Whether the Plan Will Be Fair to All Migrants
Mulino’s plan mainly targets Venezuelans and Cubans who are running away from political problems, and Haitians escaping chaos. The new policy might make the migration issues in the area even worse. These issues need caring solutions, not general harsh policies. A big worry is if Mulino’s plans will be fair to everyone. The Darién Gap is used by many, not just Cubans, Venezuelans, and Haitians. Can Panama afford to send back many migrants from Asia, especially China, and Africa? Or will Mulino’s plan mostly affect people from Latin America and the Caribbean, like Ecuadorians?
EL UNIVERSAL Could Not Get an Interview with Mulino to Discuss His Plans
EL UNIVERSAL tried to get an interview with Mulino in June but failed. They wanted to know about his migration plans and if he remembered the struggles of the Panamanians who fled Noriega’s rule. These refugees only returned after the U.S. military invaded Panama in December 1989. This invasion led to Noriega’s fall in January 1990 and restored democracy in Panama, allowing the exiled Panamanians to return safely.
Comparing Mulino’s Approach to Failed Migration Policies in Other Countries
Right now, the U.S. is not planning to intervene in Venezuela or Cuba. So, migrants from these countries might face forced returns with political dangers waiting. William Murillo, head of 1800Migrante, criticizes Panama’s strict approach. He says it is like the failed policies in Europe, the U.S., and Mexico. He argues these actions do not solve the real causes of migration, like poverty, violence, and lack of hope. Murillo predicts that Panama’s efforts will lead to new migration paths, as building walls and using the military won’t solve the problem.
Murillo Believes That Migration Issues Stem from Political Failures
Murillo stresses that the real problem is the failure of political policies, not migration itself. He warns that Mulino’s plan will waste resources and not stop the strong need for people to migrate for safety and a better life. The Darién Gap has been a deadly route for migrants from the Americas, Africa, and Asia for over ten years. Mulino’s policies face a tough challenge, reflecting the ongoing struggles of migration in the region.
