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
"Forgive me for thinking the end of money may have affected this."
This is one of the reasons why I thought GA would find this situation interesting.
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"How about Panama..."
Quotes from their official statement: "...February 18, 2025, we met with the leadership of the National Border Service (SENAFRONT)... 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... which should be the full responsibility of the State with its government."
I guess since Panama and the UN are failing to help, they hope the US will?
Don’t you find it interesting that they said they were surprised there was no help for these migrants? Almost to me sounds like there was in the past
Exactly. While I was in Panama, I did see there is a Red Cross station in Portobello. I guess the question is why aren't the Red Cross helping when they have a station so near to the Kuna territory?
You know that meme about people who want to be left alone warning that the perpetrators will not like the consequences if forced into action? I feel like the Kuna will be living this meme soon.
Of course they are. Literally millions went north to destroy us. No complaints. I would be very upset if one dollar went into this whole endeavor. They joined the attack against us. They can figure it out.
I am pretty sure that the caravans going north utilized paved roads/modern boats through regular channels, and that the indigenous communities were completely by-passed, which are a series of islands accessed only by canoes. I doubt the indigenous people were aware of the caravans happening around them and they have been blindsided by the onslaught of people coming back south.
Edit to add: See JoanofSnark's comment. She is spot on in her observation of how bad this makes China/UN look.
You mean like an American town that had thousands of migrants move in all of a sudden. Schools overwhelmed with non speaking, non reading students, hospital facilities inundated, stores with customers who have no respect for items that don't belong to them, garbage everywhere? We take care of our citizens first. These people are less victims than we are.