The Civic Crusade in Panama was a movement against the dictatorship of Manuel Noriega from 1987 to 1989.
Background
Panama's military dictatorship began in 1968 when Omar Torrijos, a populist general, led a coup and against the democratic government and promoted a mixture of populist and nationalist policies. Although he repressed dissent, he did create a plan for allowing municipal elections in 1980 and presidential elections in 1981. However, he was killed (likely assassinated) in a plane crash in 1981, and the subsequent elections were tainted by widespread allegations of fraud and soon General Manuel Noriega took power by force. Noriega's dictatorship worked with the CIA in the Contra War in Nicaragua, engaged in drug trafficking, was deeply corrupted and kidnapped, tortured and often killed dissenters.
Events
At first, the family of dissenter Dr. Huge Spadatora organised small protests and religious observances in protest, but these quickly faded. However, in June 1987, Noriega forcibly retired his Chief of Staff, who became an outspoken opponent of the regime accusing Noriego of assassinating Torrijos, electoral fraud, drug trafficking and selling visas to Cuban exiles. Discontent grew and the National Civic Crusade (CCN) was created by various businesses, trade unions and activist groups. They organised several capital strikes and daily protests were held despite the government killing several protesters.
As the demonstrations spread, the government responded by declaring a state of emergency, suspending constitutional rights, and instituting censorship. The government threatened to arrest those involved in the protests and seize the property of businesses that joined in the strike, closed the schools and universities, and unleashed a virulent propaganda campaign accusing its opponents of being linked with United States interests that wanted to abort the Panama Canal treaties. Soon the Catholic church joined in criticising the government but refused to formally endorse the CCN. Periodic protests, strikes, and demonstrations continued throughout the second half of 1987. Besides the CCN, many labor unions, women’s associations, and medical associations also staged protests. Relations with the USA deteriorated rapidly as the government charged the US embassy with supporting the opposition An attack on the embassy by a mob and the arrest of United States diplomatic and military personnel by the government led to a suspension of military assistance and increased economic sanctions by the United States. The CCN attempted to organise elections in 1989 and they were shut down by Noriega who soon declared war on the USA, leading to a US invasion which halted the movement.[1]
Results
Although the movement was cut short by the US invasion, it is notable that after the invasion, Panama has held free elections since, is considered to be the eighth most democratic country in the Americas (after Canada, Uruguay, Costa Rica, Chile, USA, Trinidad and Tobago and Colombia)[2], scores high on human development[3] and has abolished its military.