Paraguay: Campesino protests in Asunción from July 18

Event

On Tuesday, July 18, groups representing rural inhabitants (campesinos) continued protesting in the capital city of Asunción. The groups had temporarily paused protests over the weekend, which initially began July 11. Clashes between protesters and police are possible, particularly if protesters erect roadblocks. Expect localized traffic disruptions.

The campesinos are expected to continue to hold protests in the capital until the government addresses their demands.

Context

On the evening of July 10, a large caravan of campesinos arrived in the capital from across the country and set up camp in the central Plaza de Armas and formal protests began on July 11. The campesinos are demanding that the government declare an agricultural state of emergency and provide assistance to rural farmers.

Similar protests took place in April 2016 and lasted for 23 days until leaders of the protesters signed an agreement with the government to refinance debt owed by the campesinos.

Advice

Individuals in Asunción, and Paraguay more generally, are advised to avoid all protests as a precaution and to never attempt to cross a roadblock without authorization.​