Peru: Major unrest continues following the Dec. 7 arrest of President Pedro Castillo and transfer of power /update 6

Event

Peru continues to experience major unrest following the arrest of President Pedro Castillo and his removal from office Dec. 7.

As of Dec. 13, 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 situated in Huinchos, Apurimac Department. Additionally, the Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) in Cusco will remain closed until at least 20:40 Dec. 13 due to nearby demonstrations. Demonstrators also blocked the access roads to the Carlos Ciriani Santa Rosa International Airport (TCQ) in Tacna Dec. 12; while most protesters have since dispersed from the immediate vicinity of the airport, lingering delays and flight cancellations are likely, and the airport may close if protesters return to the area. Protest activity may also force the closure of additional airports over the coming days; impacted airports may close and/or reopen on short notice.

Ground transportation across the country is also severely affected by the demonstrations. Protesters have blocked highways across Peru, especially in the country's south. 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 La Libertad. Police report that other routes have been blocked in the departments of Amazonas, Apurimac, Cajamarca, Cusco, Lambayeque, Madre de Dios, Puno, San Martin, and Ucayali; 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. The main bus terminals in Arequipa, Chiclayo, Piura, Chimbote, Ica, and Puno have closed. The rail line that connects Cusco to Machu Picchu has also suspended all operations.

Additional demonstrations are likely throughout the country. Protests have been particularly violent in the departments of Apurimac and Arequipa. In Arequipa Departments, rioters looted and set fire to a warehouse in El Pedregal and similarly burned a government building in Camana. At least eight people have been killed in the unrest.

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 response to the unrest, President Dina Boluarte declared a 60-day state of emergency in the provinces of Abancay, Andahuaylas, Antabamba, Aymaraes, Chincheros, Grau, and Cotabambas, all of which are located in Apurimac Department. Under the state of emergency, several constitutional rights are suspended, including the right to transit, the right to assembly, and the right to be free from warrantless searches. Additionally, the state of emergency authorizes the armed forces to engage in law-enforcement activities such as policing protests.

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 the office came 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. Castillo, meanwhile, has released statements in which he refuses to recognize Boluarte's presidency, insisting that he is still legally president. In response, Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Honduras, and Mexico have issued statements recognizing Castillo as the legitimate president of Peru.

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.