The Darien Gap, a dense and treacherous 60-mile (approx 97 – KM) expanse of jungle straddling the border between Colombia and Panama, has become a focal point in the global migration crisis. The Darien Gap has become a major route for migrants and asylum seekers desperate to reach North America. This passage, often referred to as the "donkey route," is fraught with peril, with migrants facing not only environmental hazards but also exploitation by criminal organizations.
The "Donkey Route" and its South American Path
The term "donkey route" or "dunki route" has gained notoriety in recent years, particularly after being featured in a Shah Rukh Khan movie. This term, with origins in the Punjabi word "dunki," meaning "to hop from place to place," reflects the migrants' arduous journeys across multiple countries with the help of smugglers. The route often begins in South American countries with accessible visa policies for Indian citizens, such as Ecuador, Bolivia, or Guyana. Migrants then travel to Colombia, where they face the daunting prospect of crossing the Darien Gap.
This South American path is a complex web of travel, often combining flights, bus rides, and arduous treks across jungles, rivers, and barren land. Migrants fall prey to exploitation by smugglers who charge exorbitant fees and subject them to dangerous pre-conditions. Some have reported being forced to traverse the Darien Gap despite being promised safer passage.
Migrant Deaths in the Darien Gap
The Darien Gap has earned a grim reputation as a deadly passage for migrants. While official figures are difficult to obtain, the available data paints a stark picture. Between 2018 and 2023, 258 deaths were recorded in the Darien Gap. In 2024 alone, 55 migrant deaths were reported, with 180 children abandoned in the jungle. Authorities suspect the actual death toll is much higher, as many bodies are likely never recovered from the dense jungle. The International Organization for Migration has reported at least 312 migrants missing or dead between 2015 and 2022, with a significant increase in disappearances in recent years.
The causes of death are varied, ranging from drowning in rain-swollen rivers to falls from treacherous cliffs. Migrants also face the risk of robbery, violence, and sexual assault. In one account, a migrant reported that a person was sexually assaulted every 3.5 hours while crossing the Darien Gap in December 2023. The lack of medical facilities and the difficulty of recovering bodies further contribute to the high mortality rate. To address the growing number of unidentified remains, the Red Cross donated a mausoleum in El Real de Santa María, Panama, in March 2023. This mausoleum provides a final resting place for those who perish in the Gap, highlighting the scale of the tragedy.
Environmental Impact of Darien Gap Crossings
The increasing number of migrants crossing the Darien Gap has had a significant environmental impact on the region. The Darien National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is facing challenges from pollution and deforestation.
Migrants leave behind large amounts of trash, including plastic bottles, food wrappers, and discarded clothing. This waste pollutes rivers and streams, harming wildlife and potentially affecting the health of local communities. Each year, an estimated 500,000 migrants traversing the Darien Gap leave behind 10 million pounds of trash and an astounding 100 million pounds of human waste in the past decade. Deforestation is also a concern, as migrants often cut down trees for firewood or to create makeshift shelters.
Efforts to Address the Darien Gap Crisis
The Darien Gap crisis has prompted various efforts from Panama and other countries to address the situation. These efforts range from increased border security to humanitarian aid and attempts to create safer migration pathways. Panama has implemented stricter measures to deter migration through the Darien Gap, including increasing border patrols and closing unauthorized routes. The government has also collaborated with the United States to deport migrants who cross the border illegally. However, these measures have been criticized for potentially pushing migrants towards even more dangerous routes and for failing to address the root causes of migration.
Cartels and Criminal Organizations Takes Charge
Criminal organizations play a significant role in the Darien Gap, exploiting migrants and contributing to the dangers of the journey. The Gulf Clan, Colombia's largest drug cartel, controls much of the Colombian side of the Darien Gap and has profited extensively from migrant smuggling. The cartel charges "crossing fees" and has established a system of guides and porters to facilitate the journey.
While the presence of the Gulf Clan may provide a degree of "order" on the Colombian side, it also exposes migrants to exploitation and potential violence. On the Panamanian side, smaller gangs operate with more impunity, and reports of robbery, assault, and sexual violence are common. The lack of law enforcement in the region allows these criminal organizations to operate with little fear of consequences.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, organ trafficking has also been reported in the Darien Gap. Traffickers exploit the vulnerable situation of migrants, preying on those who are desperate and isolated. This grim reality underscores the need for increased security and protection measures for those crossing the Darien Gap.
For the Road
The Darien Gap presents a complex challenge with no easy solutions. The increasing number of migrants crossing this perilous route highlights the need for a comprehensive and coordinated response that addresses the root causes of migration. Stricter immigration policies in other countries have been identified as a key factor contributing to the increased use of the Darien Gap.
