Indigenous groups in Panama have requested Pope Leo XIV’s intervention to stop violence against them during ongoing national protests. The groups are also urging the Pope to encourage the Panamanian government to engage in genuine dialogue to resolve the current crisis.
The request was made in a letter addressed to the Pope, emphasizing the need for dialogue to address the issues affecting the indigenous communities. The letter highlights their struggle for the protection of their lands, autonomy, and dignified lives, principles the Church has historically defended.
The indigenous communities claim the government of President José Raúl Mulino has responded to peaceful protests with brutal attacks by security forces. These actions are described as a systematic and violent persecution against native peoples, especially in the Ngobe Buglé region and the Emberá-Wounaan territory.
The letter also details the repercussions of the protests, including numerous injuries, vision loss, and detentions. The indigenous groups emphasize that the level of persecution is unprecedented, even compared to the era of military dictatorship.
The protests began with teachers’ unions opposing social security reforms, which they view as detrimental to their pensions. Other unions, including construction and banana industry unions, and indigenous groups, later joined the demonstrations, leading to confrontations with police.
Indigenous authorities have reported that their region is under military siege, with leaders and families being removed from their homes. They also claim security forces are using pepper spray from helicopters. The indigenous groups seek the Pope’s intervention to end the violence and restore their rights, and to urge the government to establish a true dialogue.
