The government of Panama has declared a state of emergency in the province of Bocas del Toro following ongoing protests and civil unrest. The decision suspends constitutional rights for five days in the northwestern region, a central area for banana production. The unrest began a month ago when local banana workers joined a nationwide protest against proposed pension cuts and went on strike.
The situation escalated after Chiquita Brands, a major employer in the area, dismissed thousands of striking employees. Protesters have been setting up roadblocks and clashing with police. They have also damaged facilities owned by Chiquita Brands and a local airport.
In response, the government has restricted freedom of movement and granted police the authority to make arrests without warrants.
State of emergency declared
“In the face of the disruption of order and acts of systematic violence, the state will enforce its constitutional mandate to guarantee peace,” said Juan Carlos Orillac, Minister of the Presidency.
He added that the measure aims to “rescue the province” from what he called radicals. The emergency measures have also affected the Bocas del Toro Archipelago, resulting in the temporary closure of Changuinola Airport and disrupting essential supply chains to the islands. As a result, U.S. Government personnel are prohibited from traveling to both the mainland and the islands of Bocas del Toro until further notice.
The U.S. Embassy in Panama City has issued a security alert, advising U.S. citizens to avoid traveling to all areas of Bocas del Toro Province and to consider sheltering in place or safely leaving the province if they are already there. They are also encouraged to avoid areas experiencing civil unrest, monitor local media for updates, keep a low profile, and review their personal security plans. The government’s response is aimed at restoring order in the region, which is critical for the country’s banana exports.
As tensions remain high, the coming days will be crucial in determining whether the emergency measures will succeed in bringing peace to Bocas del Toro.
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