Context
Panama held general elections on 5 May. José Raúl Mulino, from the Salvar Panama political alliance, obtained 34 per cent of the votes and was formally proclaimed the 2024-2029 President. Mulino announced plans to stop irregular border crossings through the Darien jungle. The President-elect stated that with international aid, his administration would initiate a repatriation process for those arriving at the border respecting human rights.
The National Migration Service (SNM) is working on a transition scheme for the new Government regarding the border situation in Darien. SNM estimates that the number of people crossing will increase by 25 per cent compared with last year. As of 31 May, 170,014 people crossed through Darien irregularly.
On 16 May, Mulino announced 14 out of 17 of his cabinet appointments, including the designated Minister of Public Security, Frank Ábrego, who stated that controlling irregular entries in the Darien jungle is a priority, with the new administration undergoing diplomatic discussions to develop a plan.
Heavy rains persisted in Darien, and the rise in river level destroyed access bridges to Canaan-Membrillo and Bajo Chiquito, preventing land access to these transit communities.