Panama: bishop mediates between government, indigenous in mining dispute

February 21, 2012

Bishop José Luis Lacunza Maestrojuán of David--a city of 83,000 in southwestern Panama--is mediating between the Panamanian government and the indigenous Ngäbe and Buglé peoples in a dispute over mining and water rights.

The government has announced plans to build dams in the indigenous peoples’ territory, leading indigenous activists to block the nation’s busiest highway in protest.

 

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Further information:

• Still tension between the government and indigenous people, dialogue is postponed for carnival (Fides)
• Panama Indians again blockade Pan-American Highway (AP)