International

Number of migrants crossing the Darien reaches historic highs

Photo: Infobae

February 10 |

The Colombian Ombudsman’s Office reported Friday that the number of migrants who have crossed the Darien Gap into Panama in search of North America has quadrupled, reaching historic highs.

According to the report, while in January 2022 the passage of 4,702 people had been reported, by the first month of 2023 this figure rose to 21,307 migrants, most of them Haitians, Ecuadorians, Venezuelans, Chinese and Indians.

In view of this situation, the Ombudsman, Carlos Camargo, called on the governments of Colombia and Panama to address the situation of migrants in order to reduce the risk of rights violations.

“It is urgent that the authorities implement actions to attend to this population group together with the transit and host communities, which means establishing medical care points, assistance for children and the elderly, as well as controls by the authorities so that migrants do not become victims of migrant smuggling and human trafficking networks, among other risks associated with migratory processes,” said Camargo.

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The official made “a call to the Ministry of Transportation and the Superintendence of Transportation to intensify surveillance and controls on the mechanical condition and permits of the buses that are transporting migrants, and avoid situations such as the accident of a special transport bus in the Llorona Canyon, between the municipalities of Dabeiba and Mutatá, which was carrying 38 migrants”.

Camargo was referring to the controls on those who offer transportation services to migrants to take them to the Colombian town of Necoclí, the last step before reaching neighboring Acandí, Colombia, the entry point to the Darién Gap.

The nationalities that crossed this dangerous jungle corridor linking South America with Central America in 2022 were Venezuelans, with 150,327; Ecuadorians, 29,356; Haitians, 22,435; Cubans, 5,961; and Colombians, 5,064. Other persons of extra-continental and Caribbean origin accounted for a total of 247,284 migrants.

International

US panel backs Trump-themed coin amid controversy

The United States Department of the Treasury confirmed to AFP that the Commission of Fine Arts approved the design of a new collectible coin featuring Donald Trump, with members of the commission appointed by the current administration.

According to the proposal, the coin will feature an image of Trump standing with clenched fists over a desk on the obverse, while the reverse will display an eagle, a traditional symbol of the United States.

The sale price of the collectible has not yet been disclosed, although the United States Mint typically offers similar items for more than $1,000.

“There is no more iconic portrait for the front of these coins than that of our president Donald Trump,” U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach said in a statement sent to AFP. He added that two additional coins — a $1 piece and a one-ounce gold coin — are also under consideration.

However, the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC), another body responsible for reviewing new coin proposals, declined to discuss the Trump design in late February.

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“Only nations governed by kings or dictators place the image of a sitting leader on their currency,” said Donald Scarinciat the time. “No country in the world has minted coins featuring a democratically elected leader during their term in office,” he added.

When contacted by AFP, the Treasury Department did not immediately respond to requests for further comment.

International

Fed’s Waller warns of rising inflation risks amid Middle East conflict

Christopher Waller, a governor at the Federal Reserve, said Friday that he is increasingly concerned about the inflationary impact of the ongoing conflict involving United States and Israel against Iran, particularly due to the prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Waller, who had supported interest rate cuts over the past year amid concerns about the labor market, said he has shifted his stance in recent weeks due to rising inflation risks.

“Since the Strait of Hormuz was closed, it suggests this conflict could be much more prolonged and that oil prices will remain elevated for longer,” Waller said in an interview with CNBC.

“Therefore, this indicates that inflation is a greater concern than I had previously assessed,” he added.

Waller also backed the Federal Reserve’s decision earlier this week to keep interest rates unchanged, signaling a more cautious approach as global geopolitical tensions continue to affect economic outlooks.

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International

Brazil offers to mediate Colombia-Ecuador tensions, calls for restraint

The government of Brazil has offered to mediate in the ongoing tensions between Colombia and Ecuador, while calling on both nations to exercise restraint.

In a statement released Wednesday, Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged the parties involved to act with moderation and seek a peaceful resolution to the dispute.

“Brazil encourages all sides to act with moderation in order to find a peaceful solution to the controversy. It stands ready to support dialogue efforts aimed at preserving peace and security in the region,” the statement said.

Brazil also expressed “serious concern” over reports of deaths in the border area between Colombia and Ecuador, noting that the circumstances surrounding the incidents have not yet been clarified.

The diplomatic move comes amid rising tensions between the neighboring countries, increasing regional concern over stability and security along their shared border.