Peruvian Carriers announce Strike Amidst Rising⁤ Extortion⁣ and ‌Violence

Lima,peru – Transport ⁣guilds across Peru are ‌preparing for a 24-hour strike on Thursday,August 21,in ‌response to a surge in violence and extortion targeting drivers⁢ and collectors.The action underscores a growing crisis ⁢within the⁣ nationS public transportation sector, fueled by organized crime and a perceived ⁤lack of state‍ protection. this strike represents ‌a critical ‍escalation ‌in protests that have been building throughout 2025.

Escalating Attacks‍ and the Call for Action

The metropolitan Association ⁣of⁤ Urban Transport Companies (AMETUR) reports a disturbing increase in attacks against public transport personnel. ⁣ According to AMETUR, at⁢ least 45 drivers and collectors have ⁢been killed⁢ as January 2025, creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity. Manuel Odiana, president of AMETUR, stated bluntly, “If the state is not ‍serious now, ​this⁢ August 21 is the last ​24-hour strike… There ​is ‌not one step back, not a step later, the⁣ next​ step is the abyss.”

The strike is intended as a direct appeal to the⁢ central government to ‍address the escalating​ security concerns and ​provide concrete solutions to protect transport ⁤workers.⁤ The guilds are‍ demanding ​increased police ​presence, stricter law enforcement, and a thorough strategy to ⁤dismantle extortion⁢ networks.

Did You Know?​ Extortion‌ in‍ Peru’s⁣ transport​ sector is frequently enough linked to organized crime groups who demand ‘protection money’​ from operators, threatening violence if payments ⁤are not⁤ made.

Ultimatum to the Government

Odiana issued an ultimatum, stating ​that​ if the government fails to respond within one month with a concrete plan ⁣of action, the next⁤ protest will be a nationwide, indefinite strike. This escalation would cripple public transportation across the country, impacting millions of ⁢commuters and disrupting⁣ economic ⁣activity.

The president of the National Association of Transport Integration (Anitra), martín valeriano, has also confirmed support⁣ for the August 21 ⁤strike, despite conflicting statements from César Sandoval, ‌head of the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC), who initially downplayed the possibility of a work stoppage.

Previous Attempts at Dialog

AMETUR’s Manuel Odiana emphasized that transport guilds have repeatedly sought dialogue with⁣ government authorities to address the issue of crime. “We have tried to get the attention of the authorities to‍ talk, so that‌ they stop​ being fighting,”‌ he explained, adding that they have also⁢ approached members⁢ of Congress to establish⁢ productive dialogue tables and‌ develop effective countermeasures against⁤ the wave of ⁢violence.

This situation highlights a broader challenge of ‌citizen security in Peru, where organized crime continues to​ exert influence ⁤in various sectors. According to a 2023 report by the Global initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, Peru is increasingly vulnerable to criminal actors due to its strategic ‌location and porous ​borders [1].

Pro Tip: Understanding the⁤ underlying causes of crime, such as ⁢poverty and lack of opportunity, is crucial for developing ⁣sustainable solutions.

What steps can the Peruvian government take to effectively address the security concerns of transport⁢ workers? How ‍will this strike impact ⁢daily ‌life for citizens in Lima and callao?

We encourage you⁤ to share ‍this​ crucial news with your network. Your comments and insights are also⁢ welcome – join the conversation below! ‍ And don’t forget to subscribe to World Today News for the latest updates on this developing story ⁤and other critical events around the globe.