Panama declares emergency in Bocas del Toro amid ongoing unrest

Panama declares emergency in Bocas del Toro amid ongoing unrest

Panama has declared an emergency in its main banana-producing region after shops were looted and buildings vandalized amid protests over a pension reform. The government says constitutional rights will be suspended for five days in the north-western Bocas del Toro province, restricting freedom of movement and allowing arrests without a warrant. Unrest began a month ago when the local banana workers union joined a nationwide protest and declared a strike. It has since featured roadblocks, clashes with police, and damage to a Chiquita Brands facility and a local airport. Panama's public services regulator has ordered a temporary suspension of residential internet and general mobile telephony in the province until June 25, with internet for public entities, healthcare providers, and businesses exempted. The U.S. Embassy issued a security alert on June 20, 2025, and prohibited its personnel from traveling to Bocas del Toro province, including Changuinola and the islands of the archipelago.

Gobble's Take: A state of emergency, suspended constitutional rights, and restricted connectivity make Bocas del Toro a province to avoid for now.

Source: Newsroom Panama

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