Venezuelans are embarking on a perilous journey across the Darien Gap, a rugged jungle passage between Colombia and Panama, due to their loss of hope for change following a contentious presidential election that saw President Nicolás Maduro declared the winner despite opposition claims of a landslide victory for his competitor.
Many migrants, like former cab driver Enrique Dordis, have decided to leave Venezuela in search of a better future for their families after feeling disillusioned by the election results. Dordis, along with his wife, young son, and other family members, braved the challenging terrain of the dense jungle during their four-day trek to reach safety.
Last year, a record number of migrants, with over half a million individuals, crossed through the Darien Gap on their way to the United States, with more than 60% of them being Venezuelans escaping economic and political turmoil.
While migration from Venezuela has slowed in recent months, the disputed election results and subsequent state repression have reignited fears of a new wave of migration. Many migrants express disappointment and frustration over what they perceive as a fraudulent election outcome that offers little hope for positive change in their home country.
Despite holding out hope for a favorable outcome in the election, many Venezuelans ultimately made the difficult decision to leave, citing concerns about the lack of improvement under the current government. The challenging journey through the Darien Gap is fraught with dangers, including treacherous rivers, heavy downpours, and illnesses among travelers.
As migrants continue to arrive at camps like Lajas Blancas, they share stories of hardship and resilience, highlighting the ongoing struggles faced by those seeking refuge from the political and economic crisis in Venezuela.
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