Peru: Agricultural workers likely to continue nationwide strike and protest Dec. 31 /update 1

Event

Agricultural workers are likely to continue to hold strikes and protests nationwide Dec. 31. While Congress acceded to a key demand of the workers by passing a new agrarian reform bill Dec. 29, many of the strikers are unhappy with the bill's text and continued to block portions of the Pan-American Highway Dec. 30. At least two people died in the Dec. 30 protests, and the deaths are likely to bring renewed demonstrations throughout the country Dec. 31.

Any large protests that materialize will likely center on the Pacific coast in La Libertad and Ica regions, where much of the recent unrest has occurred. Protesters have repeatedly engaged in disruptive blockades on the Pan-American Highway, and the actions are very likely to continue if protests persist. Roadblocks on the Pan-American Highway are particularly disruptive to transport in the country; the thoroughfare is the main route used for north-south transport in Peru and international trade between Peru, Ecuador, and Chile.

In northern Peru, protest hotspots include the Viru and Chao districts of La Libertad Region. In southern Peru, roadblocks have previously occurred throughout much of the Ica Region, including near the city of Ica. Additional protests are possible along other sections of the highway, especially in agricultural zones. Smaller solidarity protests could occur in cities and towns nationwide, especially in Lima; police violence during agrarian protests has triggered demonstrations as well.

Authorities have deployed heightened security measures to the most affected parts of the Pan-American highway in recent days. These measures will probably continue over the immediate term. Clashes between demonstrators and security personnel are likely, especially if authorities attempt to disperse the gatherings forcibly and reopen the highway. The possibility of deadly violence, which has occurred recently, cannot be ruled out; such incidents are likely to be isolated and not a major characteristic of the protests.

Context

Agricultural workers have been staging intermittent protests and blockades of the Pan-American Highway since Nov. 30, initially over labor-related grievances and to demand the repeal of the long-standing Agricultural Promotion Law which was extended until 2031. The protests escalated Dec. 3 when a police officer opened fire on the crowd and one demonstrator was killed, and on Dec. 4, Congress voted to repeal the law. The Dec. 30 deaths are likely to further aggravate the situation.

Advice

Avoid the protests due to possible clashes. Do not attempt to drive through roadblocks; wait for police to dismantle them instead. If violence breaks out, immediately leave the area and seek shelter in a non-governmental building. Allow additional travel time to reach destinations along the Pan-American Highway and in the immediate vicinity. Confirm all business appointments.