I thought you guys would find this interesting. The official statement from the tribe's government is below, but first let me fill in the gaps: this tribe is recognized as an independent nation within Panama. They occupy a series of tiny islands on the Caribbean side near Colombia. These islands have no real resources -- they are barely able to support themselves. Migrants are coming through their territory every day on their way back to South America from the US. There was an “incident” a few days ago involving a migrant that led to two deaths. I am trying to get more info on the incident.

Official Statement:

Gunayala General Congress

ONMAGGED DUMMAD

REGION GENERAL CONGRESS GUNA GUNAYALA

Onmaggeddumad Sunmaggaled

Gunayala General Congress

Executive Board

SPECIAL RELEASE

ABOUT MIGRANTS IN GUNAYALA

卍

The General Congress of Gunayala, the administrative authority of the people of Gunayala, expresses its regret, first of all, for the events that occurred on February 21 with the migrant brothers in our territory. Our solidarity goes out to their families and people who are being forced to suffer these hardships after their aspirations to reach the United States were frustrated.

We want to inform the regional, national and international public opinion that we are a peaceful and supportive indigenous people; and on the eve of the celebrations of the 100 Years of the 1925 Dule Revolution that gave us autonomy, we have been surprised that our territory, especially the sea route, had become a migratory route for South American brothers who are returning to their countries of origin.

After seeing the flow of South Americans on foot, traveling by taxi, by Uber, through the Llano-Carti entrance, on February 18, 2025, we met with the leadership of the National Border Service (SENAFRONT) to demand answers and jointly coordinate the passage through Gunayala. At that meeting, they told us that the president of the republic and the security forces knew about this case and that they were going to coordinate with the General Congress of Gunayala in an appropriate and orderly manner.

However, that is not happening. From the beginning we were clear about the sailing times and at what time the migrants should be at the ports. Unfortunately, Gunayala is not in a position to receive and care for these human beings in adequate conditions, and we are surprised that neither the United Nations nor the government of Panama have provided resources for a shelter, boats, cars, or food to care for these people. In a supportive and humanitarian manner, we are doing everything possible so that they can travel to Colombia.

The daily flow of migrants is becoming a serious problem for Gunayala. In this regard, we call on the national government, the United States government and international organizations to suspend the massive arrival of migrants to our territory. Gunayala itself does not have the conditions to receive and address this situation, which should be the full responsibility of the State with its government.

We do not refuse to offer our support, but we will not allow policies to be imposed on us that will affect our internal security. Gunayala lacks sufficient equipment, infrastructure, or means of transportation to deal with this problem that, due to the governments, is causing human mobilization that leaves their country in search of better living conditions. ***

Gunayala, Panama, February 23, 1925