The Unraveling Rally: Panama’s Security Agreement Protests Around Mulino’s Pivotal Role

Panama’s political landscape recently ignited with thunderous demonstrations centered on the controversial Security Agreement protests led by congressman Carlos Mulino, whose impassioned opposition has placed him at the forefront of a national debate over sovereignty, military cooperation, and civil liberties. What began as satellite-tracked rallies in Panama City’s core districts has escalated into a sustained movement challenging government policy and demanding accountability. At the heart of this turmoil stands Mulino’s vocal resistance, transforming him from a legislative figure into a symbol of popular unrest.

Mulino’s activism emerged in late 2023 following the government’s announcement of a renewed security pact with a key strategic partner, sparking fierce backlash over concerns that it compromised Panama’s autonomy. “This agreement undermines our constitutional right to self-determination,” he declared in a fiery address outside the National Assembly. “We cannot allow foreign military influence to dictate our domestic safety policies.” His words resonated across urban neighborhoods and rural municipalities alike, galvanizing thousands who share deep anxieties about foreign entanglements and state overreach.

The protests, concentrated initially in western Panama—particularly in the province of Colón and the capital’s densely populated districts—have evolved into a complex, multi-layered movement. Multi-ethnic coalitions of students, labor unions, civil society groups, and independent activists now converge weekly, organized around weekly vigils, digital campaigns, and coordinated street demonstrations. Multimedia documentation shows nightly marches with banners bearing slogans such as “Panama for Panamanians, Not Foreign Bases” and “Security Without Surrender.”

Mulino’s leadership extends beyond rhetoric.

As a senior member of the Legislative Assembly and a key voice within the opposition coalition, he has strategically leveraged parliamentary platforms to demand transparency, calling for public hearings on treaty terms and firing questions that expose procedural gaps. “We’re not asking to reject security collaboration outright—we’re demanding openness,” he nuanced in a recent press conference. “Democracy thrives when citizens shape the terms, not just rubber-stamp agreements behind closed doors.” His efforts have fostered unprecedented cross-party cooperation, uniting formerly divided factions under a shared critique of unregulated foreign military agreements.

Key Demonstrations and Escalation

• December 2023: First major rally in Panama City’s Casco Antiguo, drawing over 10,000 protesters.
• January 2024: Rapid spread to booming urban centers, with satellite events in David, Colon, and Penonomé.
• February 2024: A record July protest near the National Palace, attended by an estimated 25,000 people, met with police deployments but no large-scale violence.
• March 2024: Organization of “Silent Vigils” supporting silent resistance and reflection amid heightened tensions.

What distinguishes these demonstrations is their disciplined, largely nonviolent character. Spearheaded by Mulino alongside grassroots organizers, the movement blends digital mobilization with traditional protest tactics. Social media campaigns like #PanamaEnPaz and #DebateNoFirmes have amplified public participation, with thousands sharing encrypted updates, legal analyses, and personal testimonies.

Local forums in Ciudad de Panamá’s working-class zones reveal a grassroots sentiment wary of foreign intervention but committed to democratic process. Registry of Concerns: - Suspension of parliamentary scrutiny before finalizing security accords - Potential erosion of civilian oversight on military operations - Lack of public consultation on strategic defense partnerships - Risk of entangling Panama in external geopolitical rivalries

The government’s response has been a mix of cautious diplomacy and state presence. Officials maintain the pact serves vital intelligence sharing and capacity-building, emphasizing it enhances regional stability.

Yet critics like Mulino argue such agreements often expand unchecked surveillance and compromise constitutional safeguards. In a parliamentary debate, Mulino countered: “We do not fear security—we fear being steered by foreign interests disguised as cooperation.” His stance has earned both fervent support and accusations of endangering national security from pro-government factions. Impact on Politics and Policy The protests have exerted tangible pressure on legislative processes.

The government has suspended full treaty ratification pending public referendum, a rare concession rooted in public demand. Mulino issued a statement praising this delay: “This is not defeat—it’s safeguard.” Beyond immediate policy shifts, the movement has reshaped political discourse, reinforcing a cultural narrative that national sovereignty must be non-negotiable in defense matters. Younger activists cite Mulino as a model, noting his ability to bridge generational and institutional divides.

International observers note that Panama’s protest dynamics reflect broader Latin American trends where civil society challenges executive secrecy in security matters. Mulino’s role echoes regional predecessors—freedom fighters turned democratic watchdogs—who reframe resistance as patriotic duty. While law enforcement maintains order, few reports document violent clashes, suggesting a degree of negotiation between authorities and demonstrators.

Ultimately, Panama’s Security Agreement protests, catalyzed by Carlos Mulino’s steadfast advocacy, signal a pivotal moment in the nation’s democratic evolution. By transforming political dissent into disciplined public demand, Mulino has not only challenged executive power but also revitalized civic engagement. As negotiations continue, the question lingers: Can this moment of national dialogue lead to lasting reform, or will unresolved tensions harden into division?

The resolve displayed at every rally suggests not just resistance—but a determined push for a transparent, sovereign future.