27 Nov 2023 | 07:39 PM UTC
Panama: Activists likely to continue nationwide campaign of demonstrations through at least early December /update 8
Activists likely to continue protesting across Panama through at least early December. Heightened security and transport disruptions likely.
Activists from several labor organizations, including the Sindicato Unico Nacional de Trabajadores de la Industria de la Construccion y Similares (SUNTRACS), and various education and indigenous groups, will likely continue their ongoing campaign of demonstrations across Panama through at least early December. The purpose of the action is to protest the mining contract between the Panamanian government and First Quantum Minerals. On Nov. 26, protesters attacked a bus that was transporting employees of First Quantum Minerals from the mine in Panama's Cocle province, injuring at least eight people.
Demonstrators have been gathering outside the Supreme Court building in Panama City since deliberations on the contract's constitutionality began on Nov. 24. The unrest will likely persist in the run-up to and after the court's ruling, depending on the outcome. Additionally, First Quantum Minerals has formally warned the Panamanian government of its intentions to file arbitration claims against Panama, which could further exacerbate tensions.
Protesters have primarily gathered near the National Assembly, Presidential Palace, and the University of Panama; however, they will also likely continue to block major thoroughfares across the country, such as Via Transistmica and Via Centenario, to deliberately disrupt traffic in the capital and other urban centers. Further disruptions to public transport services, such as the MiBus transit system, are also likely, which could lead to increased traffic congestion and elevated demand for alternative modes of transportation. Roadblocks disrupting the shipment of essential goods, such as food, medicine, and fuel could worsen as the wave of demonstrations becomes further protracted. Activists may also continue to block major maritime ports, such as the port of Punta Rincon.
Authorities will almost certainly deploy police to the sites of any roadblocks set up by protesters. Clashes between activists and security forces are possible, especially if police attempt to dismantle the roadblocks and forcibly disperse protesters. Further acts of violence targeting assets and employees cannot be ruled out.
Avoid all demonstrations as a standard precaution. If violence breaks out, immediately depart the area and seek shelter in a secure, nongovernmental building. Do not attempt to pass through roadblocks. Heed the instructions of authorities.
Although the government temporarily withdrew the First Quantum deal for modifications in early October, Congress eventually approved it on Oct. 20. This attracted a considerable backlash. Demonstrations to condemn the agreement have ended in clashes, with hundreds of people being arrested and several being injured. In response to the growing unrest, President Laurentino Cortizo announced that, on Dec. 17, the government would hold a referendum to decide whether the contract would move forward.
However, activists remained unsatisfied and continued to demonstrate. On Nov. 1, Congress approved a debate on possibly overturning the contract but decided against it on Nov. 2. In an attempt to calm the protests, the president signed a moratorium into law on Nov. 3 that would indefinitely ban new mining contracts until the Supreme Court rules on the initial contract. On November 9, the Supreme Court indicated it would meet on Nov. 24 to determine a ruling on the contract. Authorities have indicated that they've arrested over 1,000 people during the protests and that four people have died as a result of the ongoing nationwide unrest.
