Indigenous leaders announce indefinite road closures

The National Coordinator of the Indigenous Peoples of Panama called for a strike and indefinite closure of the main roads of the Pan-American highway, starting Wednesday, at 7:00 am

Leaders of Coonapip, made up of seven indigenous peoples and their 12 territories, said that the National Government authorities have not promptly addressed the issues that affect the original peoples, such as titling of indigenous territories, eviction of settlers, and invaders, environment, health, and education.

The National Coordinator decreed the measure after the Government failed to attend a meeting scheduled for Tuesday.

They warned that the closures will continue until the Government calls a new meeting with concrete answers to their claims.

Although Coonapip announced that it will participate in the single national dialogue table between the government and various popular sectors, they also demand a separate table for the fulfillment of exclusive issues for indigenous peoples.