Peru: Government declares 30-day state of emergency effective April 7 in response to ongoing unrest /update 8

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. On April 7, the national government declared a 30-day state of emergency impacting highways, which will allow the National Police and the military to monitor and maintain control over the country's thoroughfares.

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 demonstrations are also occurring in Cusco, Huancayo, Lambayeque, and Pasco. Protests have also occurred in Lima, especially around the National Congress. 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 nation's large teachers' union, announced on April 7 that it would join the labor action; thousands of teachers will likely hold protests throughout the country.

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 broke out in Lima, with looting and vandalism occurring in the city center. Demonstrations will likely continue in Lima and the government has ordered all schools in the national capital 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 roadways near protests. Plan for major ground 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.