Panama's Emergency Declaration Amid Bananas Protest Unrest

In response to escalating protests over pension cuts, Panama has declared an emergency in its vital banana-producing province, Bocas del Toro.

The government announced that constitutional rights would be temporarily suspended for the next five days due to rampant looting and vandalism amid the unrest, which has primarily involved members of the local banana workers union. The protests began over a month ago as part of a larger nationwide movement against proposed pension cuts, leading to strikes and clashes with law enforcement officials. Juan Carlos Orillac, the country’s minister of the presidency, indicated the government's commitment to restoring order and peace in the region. The unrest intensified recently when thousands of workers at a Chiquita Brands banana plantation were dismissed, leading to increased tensions and roadblocks in Bocas del Toro. Additional damages have been reported, including attacks on Chiquita facilities and local infrastructure.