Peru: Government announces plans to clear highways with armed forces evening Jan. 26 amidst widespread blockades, nationwide unrest /update 23

Event

Peru's Ministry of Defense and Ministry of the Interior announced their intention to clear widespread highway blockades evening Jan. 26 in response to ongoing nationwide unrest. As of Jan. 26, most highway blockades have been occurring in the south, particularly Puno Department, but the Central Highway (Carretera Central, National Route 22) east of Lima has recently also experienced blockades in which activists have thrown stones at vehicles. The announcement has been made in support of already declared states of emergency on national highways. Armed forces will likely deploy with police; the use of military force and violent clashes are possible.

The blockades are part of nationwide protests demanding the resignation of President Dina Boluarte; major transport and business disruptions are underway, with frequent violent clashes between protesters and police.

Authorities have resumed operations at Cusco's Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) as of evening Jan. 26 after closing Jan. 24 amidst civil unrest. The airport has intermittently closed and re-opened in response to protest activity. Additionally, Arequipa's Alfredo Rodríguez Ballon International Airport (AQP) has partially resumed services as of evening Jan. 26 after being closed since Jan. 19; flight operations will take place only from 06:00-13:00 until further notice.

The government imposed a curfew in Puno Department, which will last until at least Feb. 3; all persons must remain in their homes between 20:00-04:00. Exceptions exist for essential workers and people seeking medical care or obtaining essential goods.

As a result of the unrest, the government has imposed states of emergency in several areas and highways through at least mid-February. Under the measures, some constitutional rights are suspended, and the armed forces are permitted to carry out law-enforcement tasks such as policing protests. Affected areas include:

• Amazonas, Cusco, La Libertad, Lima, Puno, and Tacna Departments

• The 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

• Pan-American Highway North

• Pan-American Highway South

• Central Highway

• South Apurimac-Cusco-Arequipa Road Corridor

• South Interoceanic Road Corridor

Troops deployed under the emergency declarations have largely focused on protecting airports and other critical infrastructure. As part of nationwide measures, police and military forces have implemented strict security protocols at all airports; security forces are only permitting ticketed passengers to enter.

Additionally, Juliaca's Inca Manco Capac International Airport (JUL) remains closed following early deadly unrest there; officials have said that JUL will remain closed through at least early February. Further closures of airports throughout the country are possible.

As of Jan. 26, demonstrators are also blocking highways in the departments of Apurimac, Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cusco, Huanuco, Ica, Madre de Dios, Puno, and Ucayali. Major transport disruptions are likely throughout the country, with much of the inter-departmental ground transport crippled due to the roadblocks.

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 suspended as of Jan. 26, with the ruins themselves as well as the Inca Trail to them closed by authorities. Additional disruptions due to rail blockades by protesters are possible.

Protests are likely to persist through early February. Further clashes between protesters and police, as well as between supporters of rival political parties, are likely. Associated business and localized transit disruptions are likely. Localized shortages of essential goods, including food, fuel, and potable water, are possible, due to disruptions to truck shipments. Lingering disruptions to flight operations even in open airports are likely, as airlines respond to interruptions to service and work through a backlog of flights.

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, Cusco, and Puno departments. At least 60 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. Secure supplies of essential goods.