Peru: Ongoing strike in Arequipa November 12 /update 6

Event

The Arequipa Departmental Federation of Workers (FDTA) has called another strike in the Arequipa Province, this time over 24 hours on Tuesday, November 12, to continue opposing the Tia Maria mining project. Protesters intend to mobilize throughout the city, blocking main streets, though the main meeting point is at the Añashuayco bridge in the Cerro Colorado district, which they seek to close. The blockade is expected to cause transportation disruptions and delays. The bridge is near Alfredo Rodriguez Ballon International Airport (AQP), which may affect access to the airport. Additional police forces will be deployed to the protest sites with the aim of clearing any road blocks.

Context

Residents of the Arequipa and Islay provinces and workers nationwide have been holding strikes and demonstrations in protest of a government mining project since mid-July, expressing concerns for the mine's environmental impact. The protests have produced notable transportation disruptions, including road blockades. Aside from calling for the end of the mining project, protesters are also calling for President Martin Vizcarra's resignation and a new constitution.

Advice

Individuals in the Arequipa province are advised to monitor the situation, avoid any public demonstrations as a precaution, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, and anticipate a heightened security presence and transportation and business disruptions.