Overview

• Mulino's policy shift comes after his election victory, with a focus on ending the transit of over 500,000 migrants through Panama.
• The Darien Gap has become a perilous but popular route due to organized crime, making it a critical point in regional migration dynamics.
• Experts are skeptical about the feasibility and impact of Mulino's plan, citing logistical challenges and the potential for migrants to seek alternative routes.
• Humanitarian concerns persist, as the closure could increase risks for migrants forced onto more dangerous paths.
• The policy change is seen as a response to both domestic and international pressures, including from the U.S. to manage migration more strictly.