The last Sunday, The presidential elections were held in Panama. The elections yielded a resounding victory for José Raúl Mulino. In addition to many internal challenges and the controversy surrounding his candidacy, the former Minister of Security took a clear stance during the campaign on the issue of migration. In this sense, he stated that will apply harsh conditions in Dariena transit area used by many on their way to the United States.
Mulino replaced Ricardo Martinelli in the candidacy, after the former president was left out of the elections due to a money laundering conviction. In the elections, obtained 34.38 percent of the votes and comfortably surpassed Ricardo Lombana, whom the count placed second with 24.92 percent.
After the news that he won the elections, the next president will have to face important challenges on an economic level and especially in relation to the water crisis in the Panama Canal, which generates problems in different areas. However, the new government’s line could be significant not only for Panama, but also for the region. In the election campaign, Mulino stated that he wants to impose more restrictions on the Darién junglewhich is used by many migrants.
Mulino wants to “close the Darién”: what it means for Colombia and the United States
The Darien Gap is used by thousands of migrants every month as a transit zone with the intention of reaching the United States. Originally, due to its natural conditions, it represented an important barrier and was a very difficult area to cross. However, official quotes cited by EFE indicate that So far in 2024, more than 130,000 migrants, mostly from Haiti and Cuba, have crossed there. In addition to being extremely dangerous for those who make the trip, it also implies different problems for Panamanians.
The Darién Gap is used as a route by thousands of migrants to reach the United States.
Photo:Julián Ríos Monroy. TIME
In bell, Mulino stated that he is going to “close Darién” and “repatriate all these people” with the use of the legal mechanisms that exist. In that sense, the new president of Panama asked for the collaboration of the countries in the region and especially the United States, as it is the destination of the majority of migration, and Colombia, with whom the Darién area is shared.
