Peru: Protests by agricultural workers possible nationwide Dec. 29

Event

Agricultural workers have threatened to resume protests nationwide if Congress does not approve a new agrarian reform bill by Dec. 29. The new bill was approved by Congress's Economic Commission Dec. 26; Congress will begin debating the bill Dec. 28, but will only have until Dec. 29 to make a ruling before going into recess. Agricultural workers had also called for a nationwide strike Dec. 29 to demand the government meet their demands after Congress rejected the previous draft; the status of the strike is unclear, though the industrial action is highly likely to proceed if the Economic Commission's revised bill does not attain congressional approval.

Any large protests that materialize are like to center on the Pacific coast in La Libertad and Ica regions, where much of the recent unrest has been concentrated. Additional disruptive blockades of the Pan-American Highway are highly likely if Congress does not approve the bill; the thoroughfare is the main route used for north-south transport in Peru as well as international trade between Peru, Ecuador, and Chile. In northern Peru, protest hotspots include Viru and Chao districts of La Libertad Region. In southern Peru, roadblocks have previously been set up 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, where police violence at the agrarian protests has triggered protests as well.

Authorities have deployed heightened security measures to the most affected parts of the Pan-American highway in recent days. These measures are likely to be maintained 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, but 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 more recent protests are to demand the government approve the new agricultural reform bill. Protests again escalated the week of Dec. 21 after Congress rejected the previous draft and similar escalations are likely as long as there is a deadlock on the new legislation.

Advice

Avoid the protests as a standard security precaution. 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.