Peru: Government lifts curfew implemented in Lima April 5 in response to disruptive transportation strike /update 6

Event

During the early evening of April 5, President Pedro Castillo suspended a curfew the government had imposed in Lima and Callao earlier the same day in an effort to prevent further disruptive protests over a recent increase in fuel prices and other economic conditions. Under the original edict, all movement was be restricted between the hours of 02:00-23:59; however, the curfew remained in force for only 15 hours before being lifted. According to preliminary reports, over 1,000 protesters had taken to the streets of Lima in defiance of the order to remain at home. Authorities may reimpose the curfew if the disruptive protests continue.

Major unrest is likely to persist across Peru. Government buildings, major thoroughfares, transport hubs, and city centers are likely gathering areas. Security personnel will almost certainly deploy to manage any such gatherings; clashes between police and protesters are likely. Some supermarkets in Lima have reported shortages of certain goods. Further shortages are possible if the truck driver's strike persists and protests continue to cause overland travel disruptions.

Context

Various transport unions, including the National Association of Freight Carriers, launched a nationwide strike March 28 to denounce high fuel costs. Since then, other transport workers, such as taxi and bus drivers, and trade unions have also been staging protests. Demonstrators have blocked the Pan-American Highway throughout much of the country, with striking workers attacking buses not adhering to the strike and private vehicles attempting to drive through roadblocks. Looting has been reported in several major cities, including Lima, leading some stores and banks to close. Violence is also occurring at protest sites, with at least four people killed since the start of the strike.

Advice

Consult with trusted contacts to monitor developments. Prepare for possible shortages if the strike is protracted or gains wider support. Avoid all protests as a standard precaution. Plan for possible road travel delays near protest sites.