Panama declares emergency over banana region unrest
Published: 6/21/2025

Panama declares emergency in banana region due to unrest caused by protests over pension reform, leading to looting and vandalism. Constitutional rights suspended in Bocas del Toro province for five days, restricting movement and allowing warrantless arrests. Strife began a month ago when banana workers union in the area joined national protests against pension cuts, escalating into strikes and civil unrest.