SAINT JOSEPH. The president of Costa Rica, Rodrigo Chaves, addressed the controversial proposal of the Panamanian presidential candidate José Raúl Mulino to close the Darien jungle to migrants. Chaves expressed his opinion on the viability of this measure, pointing out the logistical and humanitarian challenges that its implementation would face.
The Costa Rican president highlighted the determination of people seeking to leave their countries of origin, which would make it difficult to close this important migratory corridor. Furthermore, he highlighted the lack of clarity as to how this policy proposed by Mulino would be carried out.
The Darién jungle, located on the border between Colombia and Panama, has been used by more than half a million migrants in 2023, most of them Venezuelans. In this context, Chaves emphasized the need to provide fair and humanitarian treatment to migrants, instead of abruptly closing this route.
Chaves also addressed other regional issues, such as the challenges faced by leaders such as the new president of Guatemala, Bernardo Arévalo, and the Costa Rican president's aspirations to see a more prosperous and democratic Nicaragua.
Regarding his own management, the president reaffirmed his commitment to leaving a positive legacy at the end of his mandate, through reforms aimed at combating corruption, improving government efficiency and strengthening security in Costa Rica.
