The Ecuadorian indigenous movement supports the protests in Panama

Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (Conaie), The largest social organization in the Andean country expressed its support for the protests that have been taking place in Panama for a month against the contract signed with the Canadian First Quantum Minerals (FQM) subsidiary and called on the Supreme Court of Justice (CSJ). ) of Panama to declare it unconstitutional.

“We know what it means to defend life and nature against an extractivist and predatory model,” Conaie said in a statement released through his official channels.

This organization, which gathers to fourteen indigenous nationalities who inhabit the Ecuadorian territory in the mountains of the Andes and the Amazon, called on the Panamanian Supreme Court “to make fair and legal decisions, regarding the invalidity of the new contract with Minera Panamá, in defense of the rights of local communities and environmental protection”.

Conaie also expressed his “deep admiration and support” for protesters who have been holding the biggest protests in the last few decades in that Central American country for more than a month lead a “struggle for the defense of our country, especially with regard to the biological corridor”.

“Protection of the environment and preservation of biological diversity are global responsibilities and we emphasize the importance of the affected region for the climate and biological balance of the planet,” he concluded.

The Supreme Court of Justice began a permanent session this Friday to discuss and analyze claims of unconstitutionality against Law 406 approving the contract between the state and Minera Panamá.

Expectations are high in Panama in light of a possible declaration of unconstitutionality that will end more than a month of protests in Panama, in which continuous gridlocks on the country’s main roads have caused a supply crisis, leaving the country semi-paralyzed.

The agreement on the exploitation of the largest open-pit copper mine in Central America was ratified on October 20 by Panamanian President Laurentino Cortizo, after it was expressly approved in the mandatory three legislative hearings.

Voices fighting for the defense of that area have been joined by international figures in recent days. The first of them was the actor Leonardo DiCaprio.

An activist also joined Greta Thunberg and actor Orlando Bloomwho shared messages of support through their social networks.