Panama Roundup: President-elect, gang violence, damaged oil tanker

Jose Mulino elected president

Jose Raul Mulino, the stand-in for former President Ricardo Martinelli, won Panama's presidential election with nearly 35% of the votes, Aljazeera reported. He replaced Martinelli as a candidate after Martinelli was banned from running due to a money laundering conviction. The election had a historic turnout and Mulino's victory was attributed to his ties with Martinelli. However, he faces obstacles in regularizing canal transit and reducing migration.

STEM training

SEforALL has partnered with the Government of Panama to launch a STEM traineeship programme, which will provide training to three recent university graduates in solar PV electrification. SEforALL explained the trainees will support the National Secretariat of Energy of Panama in overseeing solar installations through the Operación Solar project, which aims to bring PV systems to over 600 families, 10 schools, and 5 communities across Panama. The trainees expressed their excitement and aspirations for the programme, highlighting the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience and contribute to Panama's efforts in diversifying its energy sources and addressing climate change.

President-elect promises to boost economy

Panama's President-elect Jose Raul Mulino won Sunday's general election despite parachuting into the race late to replace his former boss, Ricardo Martinelli. He is seen as gruff and less charismatic than Martinelli but can channel Martinelli's popularity to win. Mulino promised to boost the economy, put more money in the pockets of ordinary Panamanians, and work closely with the private sector, reports US News. He also emphasized his vision for Panama and his past involvement in the civil crusade to end the rule of former dictator Manuel Antonio Noriega.

Gang violence and corruption

Panama's new President-elect Jose Mulino faces challenges with drug trafficking, white-collar crime, and human smuggling. Insight Crime indicates gangs and prisons pose a security threat while the country's low violence levels are seen as a business strategy by criminal groups. Mulino's relationship with former president Martinelli raises concerns about the country's fight against corruption. Record numbers of migrants crossing the Panama-Colombia border also present a challenge for the new administration.

Houthis damage Panama oil tanker

Yemen's Houthi rebels fired ballistic missiles, causing "minor damage" to a Panama-flagged oil tanker in the Red Sea. The attack comes after a lull in their campaign and follows an uptick in assaults in recent days. The rebels have launched more than 50 attacks on shipping since November, but attacks have dropped due to a U.S.-led airstrike campaign, ABC News indicates. However, there have been at least two other attacks claimed by the Houthis since Wednesday. The rebels have said they will continue their attacks until Israel ends its war in Gaza. Most of the ships targeted have had little or no direct connection to the conflict.