Peru: Demonstrators hold major protests in Lima; Arequipa airport closes Jan. 19 amid ongoing nationwide unrest /update 19

Event

Thousands of activists are staging a major day of protests across Peru Jan. 19 calling on President Dina Boluarte to resign and dissolve Congress. The gatherings are reportedly causing significant transport and business disruptions.

In central Lima, where demonstrations are likely to be the largest, protesters are gathering at the Plaza Dos de Mayo and the Plaza San Martin. Elsewhere in the capital, demonstrators are gathering in the Ceres area of Ate District, the main roundabout in Santa Anita District, the Parque de Maestro in San Juan de Luigancho District, the National Engineering University in Rimac District, Campo de Marte in Jesus Maria District, and Parque Kennedy in Miraflores District.

Various activist organizations plan to march to prominent government buildings, including Congress, the Supreme Court, the Public Ministry, and the Headquarters of the Joint Command of the Armed Forces. Activists will also likely march to the offices of various media outlets, as they have expressed anger over the media coverage of the protests. Heavy deployments of security forces are likely near government buildings.

Major unrest is also occurring outside the nation's capital. In Arequipa, violent clashes between police and protesters have occurred on the permitter of the Alfredo Rodríguez Ballon International Airport (AQP), forcing the facility to suspend operations. Initial reports indicate that airport equipment is damaged, and the airport may remain closed for an extended period. In Cusco, a major deployment of security forces outside Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) has impeded the ability of passengers to enter the facility. Juliaca's Inca Manco Capac International Airport (JUL) remains closed following early deadly unrest there; authorities have given no estimate as to when JUL will reopen. Other airports may also close due to the unrest.

As of Jan. 19, demonstrators are also blocking highways in the departments of Amazonas, Ancash, Apurimac, Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cajamarca, Cusco, Huancavelica, Huanuco, Ica, Junin, La Libertad, Madre de Dios, Moquegua, Puno, and Tacna. Major transport disruptions are likely throughout the country, with much of the inter-departmental ground transport crippled due to the roadblocks.

In response to the unrest, a curfew remains in place for Puno Department until at least Jan. 24. Under the curfew, all persons must remain in their homes between the hours of 20:00-04:00. Exceptions exist for essential workers and people seeking medical care or obtaining essential goods.

Additionally, the government has implemented a state of emergency that impacts multiple areas and highways through at least Feb. 14. Areas under the state of emergency include:

• Cusco, Lima, and Puno departments

• Constitutional Province of Callao

• Andahuaylas Province in Apurimac Department

• Tambopata and Tahuamanu provinces in Madre de Dios Department

• Torata District, Mariscal Nieto Province in Moquegua Department

Affected highways include:

• Pan-American Highway South

• Pan-American Highway North

• Central Highway

• South Apurimac-Cusco-Arequipa Road Corridor

• South Interoceanic Road Corridor

Under the state of emergency, some constitutional rights are suspended, and the armed forces are permitted to carry out law-enforcement tasks such as policing protests. Troops have largely focused on protecting 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 only permit ticketed passengers to enter the facility.

The unrest has repeatedly forced the suspension of all rail services between the departments of Arequipa, Cusco, and Puno. Additional rail disruptions are likely, with service suspensions possible with little to no notice. Rail services at the Cusco train station are suspended as of Jan. 19, with trains to and from the Machu Picchu ruins going no further than Ollantaytambo. Additional disruptions due to rail blockades by protesters are possible.

Protests are likely to persist through late January. Further clashes between protesters and police, as well as between supporters of rival political parties, are likely.

Context

The unrest began shortly after the Dec. 7 arrest and removal from office of then-president Pedro Castillo, who was ousted just hours after he announced that he would illegally dissolve Congress, establish a new emergency government, and implement a nationwide curfew. Following the president's arrest, Vice President Dina Boluarte was sworn in as the new president, nullifying Castillo's earlier announcement.

While Boluarte initially said that she would serve 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 occur. 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. A judge has 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 Apurimac, Arequipa, Ayacucho, and Puno departments. At least 52 people have died 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. Comply with curfew orders if operating in Puno Department. Maintain contact with diplomatic representations.