Centuries of foreign occupation and exploitation have left a lasting impact on the people of Panama. Throughout its history, Panama has been subjected to various forms of colonial rule, from the Spanish conquistadors to the United States’ control over the Panama Canal. As a result, Panamanians have learned to fiercely guard their sovereignty and protect their land from any form of exploitation. This sentiment was recently demonstrated in a national mobilization against a Canadian copper mine, which serves as a powerful reminder of Panama’s determination to defend its sovereignty and natural resources.

The history of foreign intervention in Panama dates back to the 16th century, when Spanish conquistadors arrived in search of gold and other valuable resources. They brought with them disease, violence, and forced labor, leading to the decimation of the indigenous population and the exploitation of their land. This period of colonization continued for nearly 300 years until Panama gained its independence in 1821.

However, Panama’s sovereignty was again threatened in the early 20th century when the United States took control of the Panama Canal. The construction of this strategic waterway brought much-needed economic development to the country, but it also came at a cost. The United States treated Panama as a mere protectorate, controlling its politics and economy for its own benefit. This lasted until 1999 when the Panama Canal was finally handed over to Panama, symbolizing a significant victory for the country’s sovereignty.

Despite gaining independence, Panama’s struggles with foreign intervention were far from over. In recent years, the country has faced threats from multinational corporations seeking to exploit its natural resources. One such example is the Canadian mining company, First Quantum Minerals, which planned to extract copper from the Cerro Colorado mountain in the Ngäbe-Buglé indigenous region.

The proposed mining project sparked outrage among the indigenous communities, who saw it as a threat to their ancestral land, culture, and way of life. The Ngäbe-Buglé people have a deep connection to the land, which is considered sacred and central to their identity. They also rely on the mountain for agriculture and freshwater, making the thought of its destruction unbearable.

In response, the Ngäbe-Buglé communities joined forces with environmental activists, social organizations, and other indigenous groups to form the National Coordinating Committee for the Defense of Natural Resources. This coalition organized a nationwide protest against the mining project, which saw thousands of people take to the streets in peaceful demonstrations.

The protest, known as the March of Dignity, became a national outcry against the exploitation of Panama’s natural resources and a powerful display of unity and determination to protect the country’s sovereignty. The protesters demanded that the government revoke the mining concession and respect the rights of indigenous communities to self-determination and the protection of their land.

The March of Dignity received widespread support from all sectors of Panamanian society, including students, workers, and even the Catholic Church. It also garnered international attention and put pressure on the Canadian government and First Quantum Minerals to reconsider their actions.

The strong resistance and mobilization of the Panamanian people ultimately led to a victory for the Ngäbe-Buglé communities. In 2018, the Panamanian government canceled the mining concession and declared the Cerro Colorado mountain a protected area, safeguarding it from any future mining projects.

The successful outcome of the March of Dignity is a testament to Panama’s fierce determination to protect its sovereignty and natural resources. It also serves as a reminder of the country’s history of foreign exploitation and the ongoing struggle to maintain its autonomy.

Moreover, the mobilization against the Canadian copper mine has united the Panamanian people and strengthened their sense of national pride. It has shown that when faced with threats to their sovereignty, they can come together in solidarity and peacefully demand change.

Today, Panama continues to face challenges in protecting its sovereignty and natural resources. However, the March of Dignity has set a precedent for future generations to stand up against any form of foreign exploitation and fiercely guard their country’s sovereignty.

In conclusion, centuries of foreign occupation and exploitation have left a deep impact on Panama and its people. But these experiences have also instilled a fierce determination to protect their land and sovereignty. The recent national mobilization against the Canadian copper mine is a powerful reminder of this determination and serves as a testament to Panama’s unwavering spirit. It is a call for all Panamanians to unite and continue to defend their rights and