Central America

Panama remembers 33 years of the U.S. invasion: “Causa Justa”, a dark chapter in its history

Photo: EFE

December 20 |

Today marks the 33rd anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Panama, known as “Just Cause”, a military operation that left a deep mark on the history of the Central American country. On December 20, 1989, 25,000 U.S. troops, along with troops stationed near the Panama Canal, carried out this intervention with the objective of capturing then President Manuel Antonio Noriega.

Noriega, once an ally of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), became an enemy of Washington by challenging U.S. interests, especially by announcing the departure of the School of the Americas, known for its controversial record.

The official justification for the invasion included the protection of U.S. citizens in Panama, the restoration of the democratic system, the security of the Panama Canal and the capture of Noriega to face U.S. justice. However, documents later revealed additional motives, such as abrogating Canal-related treaties and guaranteeing control beyond the year 2000, as well as canceling contracts with Japan for alternatives to the Canal and slowing Panama’s rise on the world stage.

The invasion had devastating consequences. The Catholic Church recorded 655 deaths, according to data that included both military and civilians, while Panama’s Institute of Legal Medicine reported 255 deaths and 93 disappearances. Panamanian human rights organizations and collectives have estimated even higher figures, reaching around 4,000 victims.

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CEL

In addition to human losses, the country’s infrastructure suffered significant damage, leaving thousands homeless. Despite promises of compensation, many of those affected did not receive sufficient aid.

In the years that followed, Panama experienced a boom in the financial sector, but poverty rates did not show significant improvements. The current situation reflects the coexistence of skyscrapers and substandard housing in the cities.

Despite the time that has passed, the victims and their families continue to demand justice on each anniversary of the invasion. This dark chapter in Panama’s history continues to resonate in the country’s collective memory, reminding us of the need to address the consequences of those events and ensure that justice is done.

Central America

Panama grants Martinelli 72-hour extension to travel to Nicaragua

On Monday (March 31, 2025), Panama extended the safe-conduct pass for former President Ricardo Martinelli by three more days to allow him to travel to Nicaragua, after the Central American country refused to receive him due to concerns over an alleged Interpol arrest warrant.

“The National Government has decided to extend the validity of the safe-conduct pass for an additional seventy-two (72) hours, until the end of Thursday, April 3, 2025,” the Panamanian Foreign Ministry stated in a communiqué. The original permit was set to expire Monday at midnight (05:00 GMT on Tuesday).

The Foreign Ministry explained that regarding the ‘humanitarian asylum’ granted to Martinelli last Thursday, which was set to expire Monday at midnight, the Nicaraguan government requested clarifications about an apparent Interpol alert, which had already been dismissed as inadmissible.

Additionally, the Panamanian Supreme Court of Justice, as the highest authority of the Judicial Branch, stated on Monday that it had “no objections” to granting asylum and a safe-conduct to Martinelli, as it falls under the jurisdiction of the Executive Branch.

Central America

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary urges Mexico to strengthen Guatemala border

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem revealed on Monday that during last week’s meeting with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, she urged Mexico to reinforce its border with Guatemala and share biometric datawith U.S. authorities.

“I gave her a list of things that President Trump would love to see. And it was exceptional. It was supposed to be a half-hour meeting, but we talked for nearly two hours. It was very productive,” Noem said in an interview with Fox News.

The Homeland Security Secretary requested that Sheinbaum, who has already deployed 10,000 National Guard troopsalong Mexico’s northern border with the U.S., also secure Mexico’s southern border with Guatemala.

Noem added that she also asked the Mexican president to share biometric data with the U.S., to which Sheinbaum responded that she was “willing to discuss it,” although she acknowledged that it could be a controversial issue in her country.

Central America

Panama police clarifies that Interpol alert for Martinelli is still pending

Panama’s National Police clarified on Sunday that an Interpol alert request for former President Ricardo Martinelli (2009-2014) is still under review and has yet to be confirmed. Martinelli was granted a safe-conduct pass last Thursday to leave the Nicaraguan embassy, where he has been seeking asylum since February 2024 after being convicted of corruption.

“The National Police clarifies that there is currently an active process for an Interpol alert, requested by Judge Baloisa Marquínez, against former President Ricardo Martinelli. This request must be analyzed by Interpol’s General Secretariat (headquartered in France) for approval or rejection. If approved, it will be notified to member countries,” the police stated in a press release sent to EFE.

According to the statement, “at the moment, it remains an ongoing procedure, and former President Martinelli does not have a confirmed alert.”

The announcement came hours after National Police Director Jaime Fernández had told the press that an “Interpol alert” for Martinelli had been received on Friday.