On the fifth day of demonstrations, protesters loudly opposed U.S. interference in Panama and the maneuvers of Secretary of State Marco Rubio to pressure the government, chanting, “The Canal is ours and it must be respected!”

In a powerful display of rejection towards the Trump administration’s meddling in Panama’s sovereign decisions and a warning to President José Raúl Mulino, who has succumbed to U.S. pressure, thousands of citizens took to the streets across the country, according to the National Union of Workers in the Construction and Similar Industries (Suntracs).

In a symbolic act of protest, demonstrators burned images of U.S. delegates and Marco Rubio, sending a clear message that Panama is no one’s colony and its citizens are determined to defend their autonomy at all costs.

These mobilizations highlight the firm resolve of the Panamanian people to prevent foreign interests from deciding their future or controlling the country’s resources.

The defense of sovereignty is reaffirmed through actions and resistance in every corner of the nation, stated the country’s strongest union.

The day concluded with a call for unity and constant vigilance to protect the rights and dignity of the Panamanian nation in light of the government’s decision not to renew the “Belt and Road” memorandum signed in 2017 between Panama and China.

In response, the U.S. Secretary of State claimed this as a step forward in relations between the two countries.

Another indication of Mulino’s retreat from defending Panama’s sovereignty is his offer to the U.S. of a space in the Darién region for the country to carry out deportations of migrants, despite previously stating that he would end migrant transit through Darién.

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