20 Nov 2023 | 11:46 PM UTC
Panama: Activists likely to continue nationwide campaign of demonstrations through at least late November /update 7
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. On Nov. 20, protesters launched another 24-hour nationwide strike similar to the Nov. 16 work stoppage, significantly disrupting transport and supply chains nationwide. With the Supreme Court set to rule on the contract's future on Nov. 24, the unrest is likely to persist in the run-up to and after the court's ruling, depending on the outcome. Organizers have also indicated that they aim to host a vigil in front of the Supreme Court on Nov. 23 from 18:00.
As part of their action, protesters continue to block major thoroughfares to disrupt traffic deliberately and will likely continue to do so. Protesters have also blocked major shipping ports. This has led First Quantum Materials to announce on Nov. 20 that they may have to suspend operations due to protests temporarily.
The unrest 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 traffic congestion. Additionally, roadblocks have been disrupting the shipment of essential goods, such as food, medicine, and fuel, which could worsen as the instability becomes protracted.
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. On Nov. 9, the Supreme Court indicated that it would issue a ruling on Nov. 24. 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.
