Panama: Protests, strikes to continue nationwide through mid-July /update 1

Event

Activists affiliated with several unions and organizations, including the Association of Teachers of Panama (Asociacion de Profesores de Panama, ASOPROF) and the National Coordinator of Indigenous Communities of Panama (Coordinadora Nacional de Pueblos Indigenas de Panama, COONAPIP) plan to continue holding protests and strikes throughout Panama through mid-July, protesting inflation, high fuel prices, and the quality of public services. An initial strike was launched July 7 by ASOPROF, but soon other organizations joined by launching protests nationwide.

Demonstrators are likely to build roadblocks on major roads throughout the country, especially the Pan-American Highway in the Chiriqui province, and around Panama City, and the Via Transistmica in Panama City.

Additionally, activists plan to hold a nationwide march in Panama City July 12 starting in the morning hours, from the Belisario Porras Park, to the Presidential Palace (Palacio de las Garzas).

Members of ASOPROF maintain their indefinite nationwide strike, while members of the Association of Medics, Dentists and Related Professions of the Social Security (Asociacion de Medicos, Odontologos y Afines de la Caja del Seguro Social, AMOACSS) may launch their own nationwide strike July 12, if the government does not meet their demands. Additionally, members of the National Union of Workers of Construction and Similar Industries (El Sindicato Unico Nacional de Trabajadores de la Industria de la Construccion y Similares, SUNTRACS), intend to hold a 24-hour nationwide strike July 13.

Protests are likely in multiple locations in the coming days, including in front of schools, government buildings, and public squares. Heightened security is likely, as well as traffic disruptions in the area of demonstrations. The protest in Panama City on July 12 is likely to draw thousands of participants, while other demonstrations may draw several hundred people. Police may move to disperse protesters, which could prompt confrontations.

Advice

Avoid all demonstrations as a precaution. Plan on disruptions to transit across Panama and monitor the status of routes. Comply with directives given by authorities.