Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino warned that increased political volatility in Venezuela after Sunday's presidential elections could lead to a rapid increase in the number of migrants crossing through the Darién Gap, the treacherous jungle path that connects the country with Colombia and is used as a main migration route through the continent.
"We are three days away from either a resolution or a worsening of Venezuela's political situation. I advocate for a democratic solution that respects the popular will. If this happens, I believe we will see an improvement, as Venezuela accounts for 66% of migrants (crossing the Darien). That country contributes a significant number of people in transit. If the situation in Venezuela improves after the elections, it is reasonable to expect that far fewer people will risk the dangerous transit through the Darién jungle. However, if the political situation worsens, we must be prepared for an increase in migratory flow in a very short time."
