Venezuelans undertaking the challenging journey across the Darien Gap, a harsh jungle pathway between Colombia and Panama, express that they are embarking on this perilous trip due to a loss of hope for change following a controversial presidential election that declared President Nicolás Maduro as the winner despite opposition claims of a landslide victory for his rival. Enrique Dordis, a 46-year-old former cab driver from Carabobo, shared that he left Venezuela with his family after feeling disillusioned by the election outcome. They endured harsh conditions during their journey through the dense jungle, motivated by the desire for a better future for their children.

Last year witnessed a record number of over half a million migrants, with more than 60% of them being Venezuelans escaping economic and political unrest. While migration from Venezuela has decreased along the border from peak levels, the disputed election results and ensuing state repression have pushed many to consider leaving, potentially sparking a new wave of migration. Rosimar Angulo, another Venezuelan migrant, described feeling disheartened by the election outcome, labeling it as a “total fraud,” prompting her decision to leave Venezuela.

Angulo and others arrived in camps after enduring arduous journeys through the jungle. Many shared that they only decided to leave Venezuela following the disputed election results, hoping for a different outcome and encouraged by opposition movements. Laura Naveda, traveling with her family members, expressed that the prospect of the same government staying in power signaled no improvement for the country, motivating their departure. The challenging conditions faced on the journey, including sickness among relatives, highlight the desperate circumstances compelling Venezuelans to embark on this difficult path.

The migration of Venezuelans through the Darien Gap serves as a poignant symbol of the ongoing struggles and challenges faced by individuals seeking a better life amidst political turmoil and economic hardship in their homeland. The stories of those like Dordis, Angulo, and Naveda shed light on the personal sacrifices made in pursuit of hope and opportunity for a brighter future beyond their borders. As they navigate the treacherous terrain of the Darien Gap, these migrants embody resilience and determination in the face of adversity, striving for a chance at a new beginning despite the daunting odds they confront along the way.