By Laura Gamba
BOGOTA, Colombia (AA) - The number of migrants crossing through the treacherous Darien Gap has dropped nearly 40% compared to the previous year, Panamanian authorities said Wednesday.
A total of 296,411 migrants have entered Panama through the Darien jungle so far this year, 193,439 fewer compared to the same period in 2023, according to the National Migration Service (SNM).
The Darien Gap, a dangerous and lawless jungle connecting Central and South America, is a route used by migrants fleeing hunger, poverty, inequality, forced displacement, climate change, violence and economic and political instability in their countries.
Those who attempt the perilous journey face numerous dangers, including armed groups, wild animals and dangerous terrain in order to reach North America for better opportunities.
The decline in the flow of migrants has been attributed to measures such as the closure of unauthorized trail crossings by the government of President Jose Raul Mulino, harsher weather conditions during this time of the year and a repatriation program underway with the financial help of the United States.
According to the authorities, more than 1,000 irregular migrants have been deported to their countries on 24 charter flights, the majority of whom entered the country through the Darien Gap.
In total, 858 Colombians have been expelled from the country. But the program does not include Venezuelans, the largest group of migrants, given that Panama and Venezuela maintain suspended diplomatic relations.
Over half a million people migrated north across the Darien Gap in 2023, according to the United Nations. Nearly one in four people who made the journey last year were children.