Peru: Protests are likely to resume nationwide in early January; some travel and business disruptions possible /update 12

Event

Protests are likely to resume in Peru in early January, in response to the Dec. 7 arrest of then-President Pedro Castillo. His arrest and removal led to widespread protests and disruptions, at times turning violent, in multiple locations nationwide. While protests mostly ended in late December, several organizations in southern Peru plan to resume demonstrations Jan. 4 to demand Castillo's release from prison, the closing of the national Congress, and early elections in 2023. The organizations intend to hold regional strikes and protests in the departments of Puno, Cusco, Apurimac, Moquegua, Madre de Dios, Ayacucho, and Arequipa. Details of the demonstrations have not been announced, but they may include building roadblocks throughout these regions. Air transport disruptions are also possible. During the initial days of the protests several airports were affected by the demonstrations, including Alfredo Rodriguez Ballon International Airport (AQP), Alfredo Mendivil Duarte Airport (AYP), Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ), and Manco Capac International Airport (JUL). Demonstrations in other areas are also likely to resume Jan. 4, including Lima, where protesters have repeatedly gathered at Plaza San Martin. From there, demonstrators often attempt to march to the Congress building on Avenida Abancay.

A state of emergency remains in effect nationwide until at least mid-January. 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. The state of emergency further authorizes the armed forces to engage in law enforcement activities, such as policing protests.

According to the minister of defense, under the emergency measures, the armed forces will mobilize to reopen roads that have been blocked by protesters. Military troops will also protect airports and other critical infrastructure. As part of the measures, police and military forces have implemented strict security protocols at some airports; at Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM), which serves Lima and Callao, security forces are only permitting ticketed passengers to enter the airport premises.

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 in early January.

Context

Castillo's Dec. 7 arrest and removal from office came hours after he announced that he would dissolve Congress, establish a new emergency government, and implement a nationwide curfew - a move that the legislature saw as unconstitutional. Following the president'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, which was scheduled to end in 2026, she has since asked Congress to end her term, as well as the congressional term, early, so that general elections can be held. After initially rejecting early elections, Congress eventually approved holding them 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 communiques recognizing Castillo as the legitimate president of Peru, causing Peru to expel the Mexican ambassador. Late Dec. 15, a judge ordered Castillo to be held in jail for up to 18 months as prosecutors build a case against him.

Protests have been particularly violent in the departments of Apurimac, Arequipa, and Ayacucho. At least 28 people have been killed in the unrest.

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.