Panama Enacts Emergency Measures Amid Escalating Banana Region Protests

The declaration comes in response to rising violence and social disorder tied to ongoing worker protests in the banana-producing area.

Panama has declared a state of emergency in its principal banana-producing region, Bocas del Toro, due to escalating protests that have seen shops looted and buildings vandalized. The unrest stems from opposition to proposed pension reforms, prompting the government to suspend certain constitutional rights for five days. This declaration, announced by Minister of the Presidency Juan Carlos Orillac, restricts freedom of movement and grants police the authority to arrest individuals without a warrant.

The recent turmoil began a month ago when local banana workers organized by the union took part in a nationwide protest against pension cuts, resulting in an ongoing strike. In a statement, Orillac noted the government's obligation to restore order by taking decisive action against the unrest, identifying it as a necessary step to "rescue the province" from radical elements.

Protests have intensified since March, specifically in Bocas del Toro, where workers from the Chiquita Brands banana plantation have played a crucial role in the demonstration efforts. Tensions heightened last month when the company terminated thousands of striking workers, further inflaming the already fragile situation.

As the strife continues, protesters have erected roadblocks throughout the province, frequently clashing with law enforcement. Earlier this week, the situation escalated with crowds causing damage to one of Chiquita Brands' facilities as well as a local airport, underscoring the volatility of the ongoing unrest.