The National Border Service (Senafront) of the Republic of Panama has closed at least three border crossings commonly used by migrants traversing the treacherous Darién Jungle on their way to Colombia and ultimately to the United States. In a statement, the Panamanian government agency announced that measures have been taken to control the "massive irregular migration" facing the Panamanian state, aiming to "channel irregular migration" towards Bajo Chiquito, the first village reached by migrants after crossing the Darién jungle on foot, reports DW.
The measure was described as a blockade of "three unauthorized crossings used by irregular migrants, identified as the routes along the Pacific coast and the Caribbean coast, as well as the land crossings giving access to the sector of Hito de Chucurti. The latter has been blocked with perimeter barriers to prevent the passage of migrants."
The objective is to concentrate police forces in a single point, as the previous strategy dispersed these forces, thereby reducing efficiency in combating the transnational criminal organizations that profit from human trafficking, illicit charges, and other related crimes affecting this vulnerable population, the statement added.
The Darién Jungle is an inhospitable 100-kilometer stretch between the borders of Colombia and Panama. In 2023, it nearly reached the dramatic figure of 500,000 people crossing it.
The organization Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) stated in a release that this is an unprecedented and "neglected" crisis by the authorities, as migrants face one of the most dangerous migration routes in the world.
The new Minister of Public Security of Panama, Frank Ábrego, recently praised these measures taken to address the migration crisis. Ábrego confirmed the installation of blockades along most of the route, intending to establish a humanitarian corridor.
This decision is part of fulfilling the promises of newly inaugurated President of Panama, José Raúl Mulino, who has stated his intention to halt the relentless irregular migration through the Darién jungle with the help of the United States.
"I will not allow Panama to be an open path for thousands of people entering our country illegally, encouraged by an entire international organization connected to drug trafficking and human trafficking," he declared at the beginning of his speech after being sworn in as president on July 1st, during a ceremony at the Atlapa Convention Center on the Pacific Bay in the Panamanian capital.
FAQs on Panama's Border Closures in the Darién Jungle
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers regarding the recent closure of border crossings in the Darién Jungle by Panama's government.
Why did Panama close the border crossings in the Darién Jungle?
Panama closed the border crossings to control massive irregular migration and to concentrate police efforts in a single point to combat transnational criminal organizations involved in human trafficking, illicit charges, and other related crimes.
What is the significance of Bajo Chiquito in Panama's migration strategy?
Bajo Chiquito is the first village that migrants reach after crossing the Darién Jungle on foot. Panama aims to channel irregular migration towards this village as part of their control measures.
How dangerous is the Darién Jungle for migrants?
The Darién Jungle is one of the most dangerous migration routes in the world, with an inhospitable 100-kilometer stretch between Colombia and Panama. In 2023, nearly 500,000 people attempted to cross it.