Highlights
– 650 police arrive in Bagua to quell demonstrations
– Demonstrators argue the trade laws violate the constitution and international laws, as they were not approved by the indigenous communities
– Over 30 protesters and 23 police killed and 155 injured in the clash
– Demonstrations to continue despite federal crackdown in the near-term
Protests in Peru turned violent on June 5, 2009 as indigenous activists faced off against police and security forces leaving over 50 dead and 150 injured. Fighting erupted as security forces attempted to unblock the Fernando Belaunde Highway, which connects the Amazon basin to Peru’s highlands and coastal areas.
Activists are demanding Lima revoke recently signed free-trade deals with the United States (US), arguing the government’s aggressive push towards oil and natural gas exploration is a direct threat to traditional communal land systems (Previous Report).
Despite strong opposition from the country’s indigenous community, we expect President Garcia to continue with his efforts to make Peru a net oil exporter. Though strong international condemnation from human rights and environmental groups will likely temper a harsher crackdown on protesters, we expect land seizures to continue over the medium to long-term.
A Strong Government Response
Violence began after 650 police officers arrived to clear the highway and resulted in the death of 23 police officers and over 30 indigenous people, 155 people were injured. Officials immediately declared a 60-day state of emergency in three eastern provinces and mandated a 3 pm to 6 am curfew in Bagua, similar to the government’s response to protests during May 2009 in the Loreto, Amazonas, Ucayali and Cuzco that resulted in martial law. Seventy-three indigenous suspects were arrested in connection with the incidents.
President Alan Garcia continues to defend the free-trade initiatives, as he believes they will help develop the totality of the impoverished nation, rather than benefit a small sect of citizens who occupy the lands. Garcia publicly accused protesters as impeding progress, either through “elemental ignorance” or manipulation by outside interests, likely referring to environmental and human rights groups closely associated with the tribal effort. The administration remains primarily concerned about supply cut offs of oil and gas flow from the Amazon along with shortages of food, medicine and gasoline.
• A brutal incident in the June 5 struggle may make it difficult for law enforcement to concede to a compromise in the future, as assailants killed nine officers held hostage in a pumping station after they surrendered. Two officers who escaped the occupation claimed the men were tortured before they were killed.
Cause of Clash Disputable
One day prior to the confrontation, President Garcia ordered his ministers to regain control of the area saying that his patience with the protesters had “come to an end.” Garcia, with a low approval rating of 30 percent, is focused on appearing strong in front of an un-approving population and likely views the tribal resistance as a political threat to his upcoming legislative efforts.
Indigenous leaders argue activists were unarmed when police attacked, except for the spears few carried as “symbols of identity,” and had committed to weeks of peaceful demonstrations. Leaders from AIDSEP, and umbrella association, claimed police from the Drug Directorate (DINOES) began firing rifles and tear gas from helicopters above the protesters, while snipers fired from the rooftops of buildings in the area.
• Demonstrators claimed the police burned or discarded a number of bodies in the Maranon River to hide the true death toll, now estimated at 30 people.
Numerous human rights and environmental activist groups, many of which had representatives in the area when the clashes began, stated that police provoked the violence, and also claimed that the casualties were much higher than reported. The Roman Catholic Church, national human rights commission, and the public defenders office launched investigations into the incidents and the whereabouts of 35 protesters who are reported missing.
No Sign of Stopping
As of Friday evening, the blockades appeared mostly disbanded and indigenous leaders retreated into hiding fearing arrest. However, on June 7, 2009, 30 Achuar Indians, including women and children, seized the tarmac of the remote Trompetero airport in Loreto. Additionally, demonstrators continued a highway blockade between the cities of Tarapoto and Yurimaguas, suggesting the government’s aggressive actions may only further radicalize steadfast protesters.
We believe President Garcia is in an unfavorable position to challenge public opinion and will likely displace blame for the incidents onto members of the cabinet or the Prime Minster. A reshuffling of the Ministry is expected in the near-term. Other members of the administration already accused influencers, such as Peruvian leftist leader Ollanta Humala, ally to Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez, of being “agitators” to the events.
Garcia continues to claim that he adheres to Peru’s constitution understanding that mineral and hydrocarbon wealth belongs to the state. As the government aims to convert Peru into a net exporter, the administration will continue plans to boost Peru’s oil, gas and mineral output and spur logging and biofuel development in the Amazon.
Demonstrations and travel disruptions will persist despite federal targeting. Additional violent clashes and arrests are also expected for the near-term. Popularized criticism from environmental and human rights organizations may catalyze compromises in to the governments’ aggressive development policies in the medium to long-term.
