Central America

Guild rejects Panamanian president’s threats about protests

Photo: Suntracs

November 19 |

Panama’s Sindicato Único de Trabajadores de la Construcción y Similares (Suntracs) rejected Thursday the threats made the day before by President Laurentino Cortizo regarding the protests and demonstrations promoted by the union against the mining contract.

In this regard, they announced that they filed a precautionary measure before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) to order the Panamanian government to guarantee the right to association and demonstration, especially to the 14 members of the board of directors.

In the complaint before the IACHR, the union points out that both President Laurentino Cortizo, as well as the Minister of Security, Juan Manuel Pino, have stated that the union has “hidden agendas and that they seek to destabilize the country.”

Consequently, Suntracs requests the Commission that the Panamanian State adopt measures to guarantee the free exercise of the right to demonstrate in the country.

20260224_estafa_mh_728x90

The threats of Cortizo and his government come after the previous day the Alianza Pueblo Unido por la Vida, the Alianza Nacional del Pueblo Organizado (Anadepo) and leaders of some of the other bastions of struggle of the native groups carried out a 24-hour nationwide shutdown on Thursday, November 16, an action they announced they would repeat on Monday, November 20.

Since October 23, social organizations, unions, teachers and inhabitants in general have been demonstrating against the contract, ratified by President Laurentino Cortizo and Minera Panamá, a subsidiary of the Canadian company First Quantum Minerals (FQM), which grants the concession, for 20 years renewable, to exploit almost 13,000 hectares in Coclé del Norte, province of Colón, where it would devastate tropical forests which are part of the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor.

Local media report that, as of last weekend, more than 1,000 people have been arrested in the protests. Among them, it is noted, are 134 minors. According to official reports, the detainees are accused of vandalism, damage to property and other administrative offenses.

The protests continue in expectation that the Supreme Court of Justice will rule on the claim of unconstitutionality of said law. By November, mobilizations have been increasing to demand that the president call for extraordinary sessions of the Assembly of Deputies and present the repeal of Law 406.

20260224_estafa_mh_728x90

Central America

Guatemala narrows emergency measures to hardest-hit gang violence areas

The government of Guatemala has narrowed the scope of its state of emergency to the areas most affected by gang violence, Interior Minister Marco Antonio Villeda announced on Thursday.

The measure comes two months after coordinated attacks attributed to the Barrio 18 left 11 police officers dead.

President Bernardo Arévalo initially imposed a state of siege in mid-January following the violence, which was reportedly in retaliation for government intervention in three prisons where gang leaders had staged uprisings.

That measure, which allowed arrests without a warrant, expired after one month. It was then replaced by a less restrictive “state of prevention,” alongside an increased security deployment in Guatemala City and surrounding areas.

According to Villeda, the state of prevention has been extended for two additional weeks but will now apply primarily to the central department of Guatemala — home to the capital — and Escuintla, which have recorded the highest levels of homicides and criminal activity.

20260224_estafa_mh_728x90

“We need to continue these joint operations between the police and the military to maintain control,” the minister said.

The measure will also remain in effect in border departments including Petén, San Marcos and Huehuetenango, which border Mexico, as well as Izabal, which borders Honduras and Belize, in an effort to prevent the entry of criminal groups linked to drug trafficking.

Villeda added that in the past two weeks, homicides have dropped by 25% and extortion cases by 33% compared to the same period in 2025.

Central America

Costa Rica closes embassy in Cuba, citing human rights concerns

The government of Costa Rica announced on Wednesday the closure of its embassy in Cuba, a move that signals a further deterioration in diplomatic relations between the two nations.

Foreign Minister Arnoldo André confirmed that Costa Rica has also requested the withdrawal of Cuban diplomatic personnel from San José, leaving only consular representation in place.

According to André, the decision is driven by concerns over the worsening human rights situation on the island, including increased repression against citizens and opposition figures.

He also noted that Cuba’s ongoing economic and social crisis—marked by shortages of food, medicine, and basic services—has made the operation of the embassy increasingly difficult.

President Rodrigo Chaves backed the measure, stating that his administration does not recognize the legitimacy of Cuba’s political system.

20260224_estafa_mh_728x90

In response, the Cuban government rejected the decision, calling it a “unilateral” move taken under pressure from United States.

“Under pressure from the United States, Costa Rica has limited its relations with Cuba to consular matters,” Cuba’s Foreign Ministry said, describing the action as “arbitrary.”

Despite the diplomatic setback, Cuban authorities stated that historical ties between the two nations would endure.

Central America

Costa Rica closes Cuba embassy as president escalates rhetoric

The president of Costa Rica, Rodrigo Chaves, escalated political rhetoric on Wednesday, stating that “the hemisphere must be cleansed of communists,” following his government’s decision to close its embassy in Cuba.

The remarks come as Costa Rica moves to downgrade diplomatic relations with the island, citing a sustained deterioration in human rights. Chaves reiterated that his administration does not recognize the legitimacy of the Cuban government, accusing it of repression and of maintaining poor living conditions for its population.

“We do not recognize the legitimacy of that government. We will not maintain a consulate there; services will be handled from Panama,” Chaves said during a press conference.

The president also argued that the communist model has “failed” not only in Cuba but in every country where it has been implemented, emphasizing that freedom is essential for development.

The decision was made in coordination with president-elect Laura Fernández, who is set to take office on May 8 and is expected to maintain the same foreign policy stance.

20260224_estafa_mh_728x90

Foreign Minister Arnoldo André confirmed the closure of the embassy in Havana and requested that Cuba withdraw its diplomatic personnel from San José, while maintaining limited consular functions.

Costa Rican authorities justified the move by pointing to increased repression against citizens, activists, and opposition figures, as well as restrictions on fundamental freedoms.

The closure marks a new point of tension in bilateral relations and comes amid growing international pressure on Cuba.