Peru: Protests continuing nationwide as of Dec. 22; some travel and business disruptions subsiding /update 11

Event

Peru continues to experience unrest in the wake of the Dec. 7 arrest of President Pedro Castillo, though some disruptions have subsided as of Dec. 22. Protesters are continuing to block highways in the departments of Cusco and Puno, though traffic has been restored on the Pan-American Highway, which had previously been blocked in multiple locations. Additional roadblocks and demonstrations on highways remain possible.

Air transport disruptions are also continuing, though officials report that the situation is improving. Andahuaylas Airport (ANS), which was taken over by protesters and damaged, remains closed but will likely reopen Dec. 31. All other airports that had previously closed due to the unrest, including Alfredo Rodriguez Ballon International Airport (AQP), Alfredo Mendívil Duarte Airport (AYP), Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ), and Manco Capac International Airport (JUL), have reopened. Flight disruptions are likely through late December as airlines work to reposition aircraft and clear passenger backlogs.

Full service on the railway between the city of Cusco and the Machu Picchu ruins, which had been halted by the protests, resumed Dec. 22, though residual rail transport disruptions are possible.

Although the government allowed previously declared curfews to expire without renewal, a state of emergency remains in effect nationwide. 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.

Additional demonstrations are likely throughout the country. Protests have been particularly violent in the departments of Apurimac, Arequipa, and Ayacucho. At least 26 people have been killed in the unrest.

Demonstrations are also likely to continue in Lima, where protesters have repeatedly gathered at Plaza San Martin. From there, demonstrators often 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.

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 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. Congress has offered initial support for this plan. 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.

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.