History of Manuel Noriega

Manuel Noriega was a pivotal figure in Panamanian history and played a significant role in the political landscape of Central America during the latter half of the 20th century. Born on February 11, 1934, in Panama City, Noriega rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most powerful and controversial leaders in Panama. His life and career were marked by a complex interplay of local politics, international relations, and covert operations, making him both a significant national leader and a subject of international intrigue.

Noriega's early life was modest; he was born into a poor family and was adopted by a schoolteacher. He later attended the National Institute in Panama and obtained a scholarship to study at the Chorrillos Military School in Lima, Peru. This military education set the foundation for his future career, providing him with crucial skills and contacts. Upon returning to Panama, Noriega joined the Panamanian National Guard, a critical step that would eventually lead him to the pinnacle of power.

During the 1960s and 1970s, Noriega steadily climbed the ranks within the National Guard, a period marked by political turbulence in Panama. This era was characterized by the intricate interplay of military and civilian power, as well as significant U.S. influence in the region, given the strategic importance of the Panama Canal. Noriega's ascent was closely linked to his relationship with General Omar Torrijos, a charismatic and influential figure who seized power in a 1968 coup. Torrijos became a mentor to Noriega, who emerged as a trusted adviser and was appointed head of military intelligence, where his acumen in gathering and utilizing intelligence became apparent.

Under Torrijos, Panama renegotiated the Panama Canal treaties with the United States, culminating in the Torrijos-Carter Treaties of 1977. These treaties promised the eventual transfer of control of the canal to Panama, which was a significant nationalist victory and increased Torrijos's popularity. Noriega, aligned with Torrijos, gained substantial influence and used his position to further cultivate his power base within the military and political spheres.

After Torrijos died in a plane crash in 1981, Noriega moved quickly to consolidate his authority. By 1983, he had become the de facto leader of Panama, officially holding the title of Commander of the Panamanian Defense Forces. Noriega's rule was marked by a mixture of authoritarianism, political maneuvering, and a unique ability to maintain relationships with various international actors. His regime was characterized by censorship, suppression of political opposition, and human rights abuses. Despite these issues, Noriega was able to maintain a semblance of stability in the country, partly due to his strategic alliances.

One of the more controversial aspects of Noriega's leadership was his involvement in the drug trade. He maintained a complicated relationship with the United States, being both a valued CIA asset and a participant in illegal drug trafficking. Throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, Noriega provided intelligence and logistical support to U.S. operations in Latin America, which included support for anti-Communist Contras in Nicaragua. In return, the U.S. tolerated or overlooked his drug-related activities for several years.

The balance of this relationship deteriorated in the latter part of the 1980s, especially as the U.S. began to crack down on drug trafficking with greater zeal. Noriega's involvement in drug operations, combined with allegations of election fraud and increasing repression, led to a deterioration in U.S.-Panama relations. Tensions escalated under the administration of U.S. President Ronald Reagan and continued under President George H.W. Bush. The U.S. sought to remove Noriega, who had become an increasingly problematic partner.

In December 1989, the situation reached a climax when the United States launched Operation Just Cause, a large-scale military invasion to depose Noriega. This unprecedented action aimed to restore democratic governance in Panama and ensure American control over the strategic canal during its eventual transition to Panamanian administration. After intense fighting and diplomatic exchanges, Noriega surrendered in January 1990 and was taken to the United States to stand trial.

In the U.S., Noriega faced charges of drug trafficking, racketeering, and money laundering. His trial was a significant event, drawing international media attention. In 1992, he was convicted on various charges and sentenced to 40 years in prison, later reduced to 30 years. After serving 17 years in U.S. custody, Noriega was extradited to France in 2010, where he faced additional charges of money laundering. In 2011, he was extradited to Panama to serve time for crimes committed during his rule, including human rights violations.

Noriega’s life came to a close on May 29, 2017, when he died in Panama City following complications from surgery. His legacy is complex, marked by his role as both a military strongman and a key player in international geopolitics. Noriega’s story is one of rise and fall, intertwined with the broader historical currents of the Cold War, U.S. foreign policy, and Latin American politics. His tenure in power remains a potent symbol of the challenges of governance and sovereignty in the shadow of superpowers.