Continental Campaign Against Foreign Military Bases
“In the same spirit that brought us together in the struggle against the Free Trade Agreement of the Americas, we meet today, farmers, students, workers, women, indigenous people in the defense of self-determination and life, with the people’s response to the installation of foreign military bases within our borders, and to strategies to counter the processes of change with coups, with plans to criminalize the movements, with the looting of our natural resources.
“We are a rebellious Continent of peace who will not bow to imperialism and its war policies aimed against democracy, sovereignty and the processes of political, social economic and arising in the region.”
- Continental Campaign Opening Statement
The Continental Campaign Against Foreign Military Bases was launched on December 10, 2009 in Porto Alegre, Brazil, as organizations from throughout the continent that had succeeded derailing the Free Trade of Americas Americas felt the need to confront the escalation of militarization that had swirled the region since President Obama took office. To their dismay, Latin American saw the revamping of the IV Fleet; in October 2009 the US and Colombia signed a Military Cooperation Agreement allowing the US access to at least seven military bases in Colombia; Haiti’s devastating earthquake was followed by US military occupation, and through its Palmerola military base supported the military coup that ousted Honduran democratically elected president, Mel Zelaya.
The groups responded to these developments declaring Latin America and the Caribbean Say Yes to a Region of Peace and No to Foreign Military Bases, and setting a framework for coordinated action. The Campaign’s declaration also reflects an understanding of the role of militarization plays in the expansion and maintenance of economic model that Free Trade Agreement favor and access and control of the regions strategic natural resources.
US Groups Join the Continental Campaign
The Fellowship of Reconciliation, and dozens of faith and grassroots groups in the United States, promptly followed by coming together and backing the Continental Campaign. The group committed to undertake advocacy, organize events, workshops, and speaking tours, seek media coverage, carry out research. In a points of unity declaration, the groups stated “ we support the efforts of Latin American grass-roots organizations committed to a just peace for a civil, democratic, and massive mobilization to make Latin America free of foreign military bases and enclaves.”
This is also with you!
Get involved: Upcoming actions
Cartagena April 2012 Summit of the Americas Join social movements from throughout the Continent, in the lead to the April 2012 Summit of the Americas, to dicusss and develop a joint position on hempispheric relations and the role of US policies in the region.
Previous actions
October 2011: March on the Southern Command Join us on October 8-9, 2011 in Florida and converge on the new headquarters of the U.S. Southern Command outside of Miami, Florida.
June 28th, 2011: Continental Day of Solidarity with Honduras June 28th marks the anniversary of the U.S.-supported military coup in Honduras that has brought brutal repression on the Honduran people. To commemorate the date, communities throughout the Continent, from Alaska to Patagonia, are being called to come together in a “Continental Day of Solidarity with Honduras” showing solidarity for the people in Honduras and voicing your opposition to militarization and criminalization of social protest.
