Peru: Major unrest likely through at least April 10 /update 7

Event

Major unrest is likely to persist across Peru through at least April 10 due to the ongoing strike by truck drivers and transport workers. As of early April 6, protesters have blocked the Pan-American Highway throughout much of the country by burning tires on the roadway to stop traffic, significantly hindering the flow of cargo. Protests are particularly severe in Ica, where preliminary reports indicate at least one person was killed in clashes between demonstrators and police. Major protests are also occurring in Cusco, Huancayo, Lambayeque, and Pasco. Striking workers have attacked buses that are not adhering to the strike and private vehicles attempting to drive through roadblocks, leading to clashes between protesters and police.

The Union of Education Workers of Peru (Sindicato Unitario de Trabajadores en la Educacion del Peru, SUTEP), the country's large teachers' union, has said that it will join the strike on April 7; thousands of teachers are likely to hold protests throughout the country. Additionally, activists have said they plan on blocking border crossings between Peru and Chile beginning April 7.

The renewed protests follow the expiration of an April 6 curfew in Lima and El Callao. Almost immediately upon the end of the curfew, violent protests occurred in Lima, with looting and vandalism occurring in the city center late April 5 and early April 6. Continued demonstrations are likely in Lima, and the government has ordered all schools in the Lima area to switch to holding classes online, an indicator that it expects renewed protests in the city.

Government buildings, major thoroughfares, transport hubs, and city centers are likely gathering areas for future protests. 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

Avoid all protests and concentrations of security personnel as a standard precaution. Consider avoiding the use of public transport, especially on public highways near protests. Plan for major road travel delays. Do not attempt to drive through roadblocks; wait for police to dismantle them instead. If violence occurs, immediately leave the area and seek shelter in a non-governmental building. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Prepare for possible shortages if the strike is protracted or gains wider support.