Bocas del Toro, Panama - The government of Panama has declared a state of emergency in the western province of Bocas del Toro following a deadly escalation of anti-government protests tied to controversial pension reforms.

Authorities confirmed that the unrest, which has been building for nearly two months, turned violent this week, leaving one person dead and dozens injured, including police officers. Over 50 people have been arrested in the wake of the disturbances.

Protesters blocked key roads using tree trunks and clashed with security forces deployed to clear the area. The violence reached a peak in the city of Changuinola on Thursday, where hooded demonstrators reportedly looted businesses and partially set fire to a baseball stadium—with police officers still inside.

Police also reported that the provincial airport was briefly overrun by vandals who stole rental cars and looted facilities, including a warehouse holding supplies for U.S.-based banana giant Chiquita Brands.

In response, Minister of the Presidency Juan Carlos Orillac announced the imposition of emergency rule across the province. The measure includes the suspension of constitutional guarantees and a ban on public gatherings.

Orillac said the decision aimed to stop "radical and criminal groups" from organizing further violence, and to restore "peace and order."

The unrest began in late April when Chiquita workers launched a strike over pension reforms passed by Panama’s Congress. The reforms would require workers to retire later—an unpopular move that sparked widespread anger in the banana-producing region. Chiquita later dismissed thousands of workers over the strike.

While some unions have withdrawn from the protest lines in an effort to halt the mass firings, other demonstrators have remained defiant, continuing roadblocks and demonstrations.

President Jose Raul Mulino, a right-wing leader, is facing mounting pressure from various sectors. Aside from pension issues, critics have denounced his April agreement with former U.S. President Donald Trump allowing U.S. troops to operate from bases along the Panama Canal. Trump had repeatedly threatened to "take back" the waterway unless U.S. military access was restored.

Mulino has also drawn criticism from environmental groups after signaling plans to reopen one of the region’s largest copper mines, raising concerns about ecological damage.

With tensions rising on multiple fronts, Bocas del Toro has become the flashpoint of a broader national crisis that shows no sign of easing.


By WafricNews Desk.