Peru: Indigenous community blocks roads in Apurímac Aug. 27

Event

Hundreds of campesinos (farmers) from the indigenous community in Nueva Fuerabamba (Apurímac region) continued to protest local copper mining operations in the area of Monday, August 27. Residents have been erecting roadblocks along the main road through Nueva Fuerabamba since Wednesday, August 22, in an attempt to prevent mining vehicles from driving in the area. Protests are expected to continue in the coming days unless the community’s demands are met. Localized traffic disruptions are anticipated in the area.

Context

According to the attorney for Nueva Fuerabamba, the mining company built the road on their property without consulting them. Residents argue that the hundreds of trucks driving through the area are causing health and safety issues. In June, Nueva Fuerabamba filed a lawsuit against the mining company seeking payment for using their roads and the annulment of a relocation agreement.

Advice

Individuals in the area are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests as a precaution, and allow additional time to travel.