Issue and Opponent: Resentment grew regarding the militaristic domination of the political system by defacto ruler Manuel Noriega. Noriega’s chief of staff, Colonel Roberto Díaz Herrera, who was forced into retirement by Noriega, made public accusations against Noriega that were aired on radio, television, and print media. Riots broke out when revolutionary radio journalists encouraged the public to demand justice against the military regime. Herrera’s arrest in July sparked a two-day general strike.
Dilemma Action: The National Civic Crusade, an organization comprised of over 100 business and professional organizations, carried out its second two-day strike from July 27-28. The leaders wanted the strike to only last the agreed-upon 48 hours. The strike was designed to counter the new wave of repression brought on by the Noriega regime. The shutdown brought Panama’s capital to an economic standstill. It was reported that even agricultural workers outside the capital walked out of work.
Outcome: The opposition stated that the strike was “90% successful” in combatting Noriega’s rule. It was arguably the most successful strike the National Civic Crusade organized, despite the military’s censorship of media that hampered the spread of information about the strike. The group agreed to reconvene and discuss future actions to better combat Noriega’s corruption, including longer strikes.