Panama and Colombia are stepping up efforts to resolve the crisis linked to the influx of illegal immigrants ready to cross the inhospitable Panamanian jungle. The two countries announced on Friday August 6 that they would facilitate the transit through their territories of migrants trying to reach the United States.
The agreement, through which quotas for migrants in transit will be established as of next week, was reached after a meeting between Colombian Foreign Minister Marta Lucia Ramirez and her Panamanian counterpart Erika Mouynes.
Another Panamanian delegation will visit Colombia on Monday “To determine this quota of migrants” who can “Be received in a safe and orderly manner” in Panama, said Erika Mouynes.
The two countries are working in particular on transport solutions to avoid crossing the Darien jungle. “We do not want these migrants to run the risk of drowning or passing through the Darien, where we know they run many risks”, said Marta Lucia Ramirez.
Thousands of migrants leaving for Panama
Colombia and Panama are seeking to unite other countries, including the United States, around this quota initiative. “It’s a process that involves many countries”, underlined Erika Mouynes.
For several weeks, thousands of migrants, including minors and pregnant women, often coming from Haiti, have been waiting in the Colombian port of Necocli for boats supposed to take them to the border with Panama, to cross the Darien jungle. .
This jungle corridor between Colombia and Panama has become a compulsory stopover for illegal immigrants who, from South America, try to reach Mexico, the United States and Canada.
This migratory flow had ceased in 2020 due to the health crisis and the closure of borders. But, since the latter have reopened, after numerous lockdowns and the serious economic crisis that has sank many people into poverty, the two countries have seen an endless stream of candidates for exodus.