13 Nov 2023 | 03:22 PM UTC
Panama: Activists likely to continue nationwide campaign of demonstrations through at least late November /update 6
Activists likely to continue protesting across Panama through at least late November. 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 late November. The purpose of the action is to protest the mining contract between the Panamanian government and First Quantum Minerals. Demonstrations have continued to escalate, with the authorities reporting that they have arrested around 1,000 people due to vandalism and that at least four people have died during clashes. Protests have turned violent in some cases, such as on Nov. 7, when a motorist opened fire on activists blocking the Pan-American Highway in Chame, Panama Oeste Province, leaving two people dead. On Nov. 9, the Supreme Court indicated that it would not issue a ruling until after Nov. 23. This could cause the demonstrations to become further protracted in the coming weeks, which further increases the risk of violent incidents.
As part of their action, protesters continue to block major thoroughfares to disrupt traffic deliberately and will likely continue to do so. This has also disrupted public transport services. As the unrest persists, public transport services, such as the MiBus transit system, will probably continue to experience disruptions, which could lead to increased demand for alternative modes of transportation and increased traffic congestion. Additionally, the roadblocks have been disrupting the shipment of essential goods, such as food, medicine, and fuel. In an attempt to allow civilians access to essential goods, indigenous activists participating in the protests announced that on Nov. 13 they would suspend the roadway blockades until 18:00. Regardless, such disruptions will likely continue once the blockades resume.
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.
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.
