Peru: Demonstrators plan major protests in Lima; clashes continue in Puno Department as of Jan. 19 amid ongoing nationwide unrest /update 18

Event

Thousands of activists are gathering in Lima as of early Jan. 19 for a major day of protests intended to force President Boluarte from office, dissolve Congress, and start a constitutional convention. The protests will likely center on Plaza San Martin.

Violent demonstrations occurred in Macusani, Puno Province, in the namesake department, late Jan. 18, with activists setting fire to a police station. In the clashes between police and demonstrators, at least one civilian was killed and another injured.

The government has enacted a curfew for Puno Department in response to the ongoing deadly unrest which has impacted multiple areas in the country, especially southern regions. The directive of the curfew orders all citizens in Puno Department to remain in their homes 20:00-04:00 until at least Jan. 24. Exceptions exist for essential workers, the purchase of necessities, and medical care.

Additionally, the government has implemented a state of emergency in multiple areas and highways through at least Feb. 14. Impacted areas 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

Impacted highways include:

• South Pan-American Highway

• North Pan-American Highway

• Central Highway

• South Apurimac-Cusco-Arequipa Road Corridor

• South Interoceanic Road Corridor.

Juliaca's Inca Manco Capac International Airport (JUL) remains closed following deadly unrest there; it is unclear when it will reopen. Other airports were temporarily closed, but have since reopened.

Additionally, demonstrations have severely disrupted ground transport throughout Peru, especially in the south. Activists have at times blocked highways in the departments of Amazonas, Apurimac, Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cajamarca, Cusco, Ica, Junin, Madre de Dios, Moquegua, Puno, and Tacna.

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 between Cusco and the Machu Picchu ruins are reportedly operational as of Jan. 19 but may face intermittent disruptions due to rail blockades by protesters.

According to the minister of defense, the armed forces will mobilize under the emergency measures to reopen roads that protesters have blocked. 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 only permit ticketed passengers to enter the facility.

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

Comply with curfew orders if operating in Puno Department. 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 diplomatic representations.