The perilous journey through the Darien Gap, a dense jungle connecting Panama and Colombia, has seen a significant increase in migrant crossings during the first five months of 2024. Panama’s National Migration Service (SNM) reported that over 170,000 migrants have undertaken the dangerous trek, marking a 2% increase from the same period last year.
This surge in migrants crossing Panama’s Darien Gap highlights the ongoing migration crisis, with numbers continuing to rise despite the severe risks involved. The first five months of 2024 saw 170,000 migrants cross the Darien Gap, compared to nearly 167,000 during the same period in 2023. Last year, over half a million people made this journey, prompting concerns and calls for international assistance.
Migrants face severe risks including robbery, violence, human trafficking, and sexual abuse during the trek through the thick jungle. Despite efforts to bolster border security, the number of crossings continues to rise, indicating the desperate conditions driving this migration.
The largest group of migrants crossing the Darien Gap comes from Venezuela, driven by the country’s ongoing economic and political crises. In the first six days of June alone, 4,499 people, including 901 children, made the crossing. This demographic insight underscores the critical situation in Venezuela and its impact on regional migration patterns.
Panama’s incoming government, which takes office on July 1, plans to review and potentially tighten border security measures to manage the flow of migrants. However, specific strategies for border control have not yet been detailed, leaving uncertainty about the effectiveness of these future measures.
External factors also play a significant role in this migration surge. The recent asylum ban imposed by U.S. President Joe Biden may deter some migrants from attempting the journey. Additionally, the uncertainty surrounding the outcome of the U.S. presidential election in November could influence migration patterns, as migrants weigh their chances of asylum under different administrations.
The increasing number of migrants crossing the Darien Gap highlights the ongoing migration crisis and the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address the humanitarian and security challenges associated with this dangerous route.