25 Apr 2024 | 12:41 PM UTC
Armenia: Further protests denouncing a border demarcation agreement with Azerbaijan are likely nationwide through late April
Protests likely in Yerevan and on major highways across Armenia through late April. Tight security, disruptions likely. Violence possible.
Protests denouncing a border demarcation agreement with Azerbaijan are likely in Yerevan and on national highways across Armenia through late April. Opposition-led and impromptu protests took place in Yerevan on April 24 and 25. Opposition figures allege police used heavy-handed tactics against demonstrators in the city on April 24. Elsewhere in the country, protests have forced closures of various durations on national and regional highways, including the Yerevan-Meghri highway, the Yerevan-Gyumri highway, the Baghanis-Voskepar highway, and the Armenia-Georgia interstate highway. Protests have forced the closure of the Armenia-Georgia interstate highway near Kirants, on the border with Azerbaijan, for several days. Further protests are likely in urban centers and on highways across Armenia through late April.
Security forces will almost certainly deploy to all significant gatherings, particularly those that close roads. Likely protest locations in Yerevan include prominent government buildings and central squares. Elsewhere in the country, small groups of protesters in rural areas will likely continue to stage impromptu gatherings that force the closure of nearby highways. While most are short-lived, some can force extensive closures, resulting in police action to clear them. Clashes between police and protesters have been reported in several locations. Transit of goods within Armenia, as well as between Armenia and Georgia, may be impacted by continued unrest.
Avoid all demonstrations. If violence breaks out, immediately depart the area and seek shelter in a secure location. Adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities. Confirm the status of highways before traveling or routing shipments; consider using alternative routes to circumvent protest locations. Be prepared for short-notice disruptive blockade protests nationwide. Do not attempt to pass through any roadblocks set up by protesters; allow police to remove them before proceeding.
Following the April 23 reconfirmation that Armenia would return several occupied villages in the Tavush Province to Azerbaijan, protesters have staged demonstrations blocking highways in that province that have since spread nationwide. Azerbaijani and Armenian authorities state border demarcation work will continue in the coming days, raising the prospect that other disputed areas could change hands. Any further announcements of territorial changes would almost certainly inflame tensions in Armenia, resulting in further protests and likely increased calls for the resignation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Absent further territorial changes, protests are still anticipated to escalate before they abate.
