Pan-American highway blocked in Peru by angered protesters
Earlier today, newly sworn-in President Dina Boluarte declared a state of emergency as violent clashes have caused several civilians and law enforcement servicemembers to be wounded.
Demonstrators in Peru blocked the highly strategic Carretera Panamericana, the Pan-American Highway which stretches across the entire Americas and runs north–south through the whole length of Peru and connects all major cities in the country's coastal area.
The massive traffic jams left several trucks and suburban passengers, including vehicles carrying livestock hanging in an eight-hour-long tailback.
Se registra #VíaBloqueada en ambos sentidos en el km 83 de la Panamericana Norte #Chancay. En el lugar se encuentran los efectivos de la Comisaría de Chancay, Destacamento de Protección de Carreteras y la Use de Huaral trabajando para liberar las vías. pic.twitter.com/HdGuulCcDP
— Policía Nacional del Perú (@PoliciaPeru) December 12, 2022
Since ousted President Pedro Castillo has been impeached following his decision to dissolve right-leaning Congress, enraged peruvians have been taking the streets to voice their opposition to Castillo's arrest and for newly sworn-in President Dina Boluarte to resign.
Earlier today, Boluarte declared a state of emergency as violent clashes are causing several civilians and law enforcement servicemembers to be wounded.
On Sunday, local sources reported that two people died and over 30 were wounded as a result of violent clashes at Andahuaylas Airport.
Miles de comuneros se desplazan por la carretera Panamericana Sur, con destino a Lima, exigen:
— David Vargas Araujo (@DavidVargasA18) December 12, 2022
Libertad a Pedro Castillo.
Nueva Constitución.
Elecciones Ya.
Asamblea Constituyente.
La resistencia popular continúa.
RT👇
pic.twitter.com/BqmsOM462V
Yesterday, the Agro-Rural Front of Peru, which groups about a dozen organizations, rural unions, and organizations with a wide indigenous base are calling for an "indefinite strike" to be launched on Tuesday to demand the total suspension of congress, fresh elections, a new constitution, and Castillo's immediate release.
The Rural Front further insists that Castillo "did not perpetrate a coup d'etat" on Wednesday, adding that they have also declared Popular Insurgence against the "neo-fascist" coup d'état by Congress. They announced a National Shutdown on 13-14 December and a National day of "strife" on 15 December.
Read more: Peru President declares state of emergency, announces early elections