Peru: Major protests reported across country following Dec. 7 arrest of President Pedro Castillo and transfer of power /update 4

Event

Protests and roadblocks are likely across Peru over the coming days following the arrest of President Pedro Castillo and his removal from office Dec. 7. As of Dec. 12, protesters demanding the dissolution of Congress and new elections have forced the closure of Alfredo Rodriguez Ballon International Airport (AQP), which serves the city of Arequipa and is located in Cerro Colorado, Arequipa Department, as well as Andahuaylas Airport (ANS), which serves Andahuaylas and is located in Huinchos, Apurimac Department. The airport closures have caused numerous flight cancellations. Protest activity may force the closure of additional airports over the coming days; impacted airports may close and/or reopen on short notice.

Additionally, protesters have blocked highways across Peru, especially in the south of the country. Notably, the Pan-American Highway is blocked in parts of the departments of Arequipa, Ica, and Tacna, and demonstrators are also protesting on the highway in the northern department of Trujillo. Police report that other highways have been blocked in the departments of Abancay, Cusco, and Puno; sporadic demonstrations are also likely to block roads and highways elsewhere in the country. The protests have caused major transport delays, and interprovincial bus companies have mostly suspended their operations, especially on routes south of Lima.

Additional demonstrations are likely throughout the country. Protests have been particularly violent in Andahuaylas, where at least two people were killed in clashes with police. Demonstrations are also likely in Lima, where protesters will probably gather at Plaza San Martin. From there, demonstrators may attempt to march to the Congress building on Avenida Abancay. Marches to Congress often turn violent once they reach Avenida Abancay as police typically deploy tear gas to prevent the protesters from reaching the building.

In an address to the nation early Dec. 12, President Dina Boluarte announced that she plans on declaring a state of emergency in the areas most severely impacted by the protest activity. While she did not immediately give any further details, Minister of the Interior Cesar Cervantes said that the state of emergency is likely to affect Apurimac, Arequipa, and Ica. As part of the state of emergency, authorities may deploy troops in an effort to quell the unrest.

Elsewhere, police have heavily deployed to protest locations, occasionally attempting to forcibly disperse the demonstrations; protesters have thrown rocks and debris in retaliation. Further clashes between protesters and police, as well as between supporters of rival political parties, cannot be ruled out. Protest-related disruptions to transport and business are likely to continue over the coming days.

Context

Castillo's Dec. 7 arrest and removal from office came just hours after he announced that he would unconstitutionally dissolve Congress, establish a new emergency government, and implement a nationwide curfew. Following Castillo's arrest, Vice President Dina Boluarte was sworn in as the new president, effectively nullifying Castillo's earlier announcement. While Boluarte initially said that she would serve out the rest of Castillo's term, scheduled to end in 2026, she announced Dec. 12 that she would ask Congress to amend the constitution to end her term early so that general elections can be held in April 2024.

Advice

Avoid all protests as a precaution. If violence occurs, immediately leave the area and seek shelter in a secure, nongovernmental building. Do not attempt to navigate around roadblocks; wait for the police to dismantle them or take alternative routes. Reconfirm flights before departing for the airport and seek other modes of transportation if necessary. Heed the instructions of security personnel. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation.