Below is a statement emitted by ALBA Movimientos in responses to comments by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, in which he threatened the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Panama, and its operation of the Panama Canal.
Days after a new anniversary of the Invasion of Panama perpetrated by the United States Army on December 20, 1989, from the Continental Articulation of Social and Popular Movements of ALBA, we stand in solidarity with the Panamanian people and their social organizations in the face of the disrespectful statements made by the President-elect of the United States Donald Trump, indicating his intention to claim an alleged “return” of the Panama Canal, bypassing the sovereignty of the Panamanian people and demonstrating once again his vision our our continent, as a “backyard”. The mere suggestion of such “return” not only violates international law, but further promotes serious geopolitical conflicts in the region by attempting to continue using Panama as a platform for regional aggression against other peoples with the complicity of governments and far-right groups in the region and oligarchic groups in the Panama.
The Panamanian people face the onslaught of the far-right government of José Raúl Mulino, akin to the imperialist project of the United States, ranging from the intention to privatize pension funds and the denaturalization of the Social Security Fund, to the reopening of the mining project of First Quantum Minerals, declared unconstitutional at the end of 2023, among other major issues. Trump’s statements now add to the danger.
It’s urgent to spread this information around the world and stand up in solidarity with the Panamanian people to demand respect for their sovereignty and self-determination. From ALBA Movimientos, we join the call made by our comrades of the National Front for the Defense of Economic and Social Rights of Panama, and with its people in general. We are prepared, to alongside them defend the sovereignty and the homeland in any corner of Our America, before any statement that violates our continent, especially coming from one of imperialism’s most nefarious figures, Donald Trump.
Panama must be respected! Our America must be respected!
