Peru: Roadblocks and protests amid countrywide teacher's strike /update 1

Event

Marches and roadblocks across Peru continue to cause transportation delays as the teacher's strike continues as of August 3. On August 2, protesting teachers blocked the Interoceánica Highway at kilometer 6, just outside Puerto Maldonado. It is reported that the protesters planned to remove the barricades at 11:59 on Wednesday, August 2. At the time of reporting it is unclear if the barricades have been removed. This comes ahead of a 24-hour general strike scheduled for August 4 in the city.

Meanwhile, in Lima, thousands of protesters blocked major streets as they marched on Congress and the Ministry of Education on August 2. This created massive transportation disruptions throughout the city.

On August 1, protesters in Piura blocked traffic on the Sánchez Cerro bridge and in the main streets of the city, between Piura and Castilla. Traffic on the bridge was reportedly blocked for 30 minutes.  In the Puno region, protesters reportedly blocked toll booths across the region, including on the road between Puno and Juliaca. It is unclear to what extent this action has caused transportation delays, alongside preventing the collection of tolls.

Similar actions are likely to continue in the coming days and associated transportation disruptions, as well as an enhanced security presence, should be expected in the vicinity of any demonstrations.

Context

Protests and strikes are relatively common in Peru. While most demonstrations remain peaceful, violence can break out with little to no warning. The ongoing teacher strike, launched in mid-June, has included large marches and roadblocks that have disrupted everyday life and tourism across much of the region.

Advice

Individuals present in the region are advised to monitor developments to the situation, anticipate transportation delays in Lima and other major cities, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.