Peru: Protests continue nationwide as of Jan. 23 /update 21

Event

Protests are continuing nationwide as of Jan. 23, with major transport and business disruptions underway. While demonstrations are likely to continue through at least late January, protest activity is likely to be especially high Jan. 24, when the General Confederation of Workers of Peru (Confederacion General de Trabajadores del Peru, CGTP), one of the largest labor unions, has planned demonstrations demanding the resignation of President Dina Boluarte. In Lima, where demonstrations are likely to be the largest, union members and activists will gather in the Plaza Dos de Mayo beginning 16:00. While the CGTP has not released a planned march route, demonstrators will likely attempt to march to the Plaza San Martin, and from there, to the Congress building on Avenida Abancay. Police are likely to heavily deploy on Avenida Abancay to prevent protesters from approaching Congress, and violent clashes are possible on the avenue, a main thoroughfare through central Lima.

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. Similarly, Arequipa's Alfredo Rodríguez Ballon International Airport (AQP) is closed following clashes at the airport that left at least one person dead. In Cusco, the Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) is operational as of Jan. 23, though it has repeatedly suspended operations due to unrest in the area; further closures of airports throughout the country are possible.

As of Jan. 23, 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.

In response to the unrest, a curfew remains in place for Puno Department until at least Jan. 24. Under the measure, 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.

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. 23, 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 late January. 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.

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.