More than 400,000 migrants passed through the Darién jungle in 2023

More than 400,000 migrants crossed in 2023, on their route to U.Sthe jungle Darienon the border with ColombiaThe Ministry of Public Security reported this Thursday.

This record number is 62% higher than the previous year, when 248 thousand people passed through the inhospitable jungle, in a country with a population of 4.2 million inhabitants.

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According to official information, “Until September 27th of this year, the number of migrants irregularities affected 402,030 people“, said the Ministry of Security in a statement.

Migrants cross the Turquesa River, on September 14, 2023, in Darién, Panama. (Photo Bienvenido Velasco/EFE)

The note adds that daily entry into border communities with Colombia reached up to 4,000 people, mainly from Venezuela, Haiti, Ecuador It is Colombiaalthough there are also Chinese and Afghans.

The natural border of Darien266 km long and covering 575 thousand hectares, it has become a corridor for migrants who, since South Americathey try to reach U.S across Central America It is Mexico.

The situation forced the Panamanian government, together with international organizations, to set up care centers for migrants in different parts of the country.

Migrants cross the Turquesa River, on September 14, 2023, in Darién, Panama. (Photo Bienvenido Velasco/EFE)

However, the Minister of Public Security, João Pinowarned this Thursday that “has already been surpassed“the ability to Panama “to assist irregular migrants who are passing through”.

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“A superhuman effort is made“Added Pino.

To try to contain it wave of migrationPanamanian authorities announced on September 9 a series of measures, such as increasing deportations of people who enter the country irregularly.

To resolve this situation, the president of Costa Rica Rodrigo Chaveswill visit Panama on October 5th and 6th to meet with his counterpart, Laurentino Cortizo.

Source: Elcomercio