WASHINGTON — United States and Panama signed an agreement on Monday to repatriate migrants in an irregular situation who travel north through the jungle Darien, the White House reported.
The Biden administration “will support Panama’s efforts to begin the rapid, safe, and humane repatriation of migrants who lack a legal basis to remain in Panama,” said U.S. National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson in a statement.
According to the official, by repatriating people to “the country of origin, we will help deter irregular migration” in the region and on the border between the United States and Mexico and “stop the enrichment” of human trafficking networks, she added.
Both countries intend to jointly address irregular migration, which has become a major internal problem for both the US and Panamanian governments.
Panama “will not serve as a transit”
Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino promised on Monday that his country would not serve as a “transit” for migrants through the Darién jungle, during his inaugural address.
In 2023, half a million people crossed this dangerous border jungle with Colombia.
A figure that is “shocking,” said Mulino, a 65-year-old right-wing lawyer who will govern the Central American country until 2029.
So far this year, more than 200,000 people, the vast majority Venezuelans, have passed through the inhospitable Darien Gap, where criminal gangs operate, kidnapping, robbing and raping migrants. Many die in this jungle.
In a congratulatory statement to Mulino, Biden also highlighted the importance of “addressing irregular migration” with the Central American country.
Source: With information from AFP
