Peru: Authorities extend state of emergency in some areas, as of Feb. 20 /update 27

Event

In response to ongoing unrest, Peru has extended the state of emergency in Amazonas, La Libertad, and Tacna departments through at least March 18. Under the measure, some constitutional rights are suspended, and the armed forces are permitted to carry out law-enforcement tasks, such as policing protests.

A similar state of emergency is in effect in Lima Department and the Constitutional Province of Callao as well as on the Pan-American Highway, the Central Highway, the South Apurimac-Cusco-Arequipa Highway Corridor, and the South Interoceanic Highway Corridor through at least March 15. Likewise, a state of emergency covering the departments of Apurimac, Arequipa, Cusco, Madre de Dios, Moquegua, Puno, and Tacna remains in effect until at least April 5. In Puno, where the armed forces have been given command of all security operations, a 20:00-04:00 curfew remains in place through at least Feb. 21; all persons must remain in their homes during curfew hours, though exceptions exist for those providing or obtaining essential goods.

Disruptive protests will likely continue in Peru through at least late February, especially as the General Confederation of Workers of Peru (Confederacion General de Trabajadores del Peru, CGTP), one of the country's largest unions, has been observing an indefinite nationwide strike since Feb. 9. Like many of the ongoing protests, the purpose of the strike is to demand the resignation of President Dina Boluarte and oppose the Congress' decision to reject several proposals to hold early elections. Protests associated with the strike are likely to continue throughout the country, including in Lima.

Most demonstrations have been occurring in the south, and several highways have been blocked in the southern departments of Apurimac, Cusco, Madre de Dios, and Puno. In certain cases, the armed forces and National Police have deployed to forcibly clear highways of protesters and roadblocks. Violent clashes are possible when authorities move to disperse protesters.

Protests also continue in Lima, with demonstrators frequently clashing with police in the capital. While protests have occurred throughout the city, they have been especially large in central Lima, with protesters often gathering in the area's main squares, such as Plaza San Martin and Plaza Dos de Mayo. Protests have been particularly violent on and near Avenida Abancay, which police frequently close to prevent demonstrators from marching to the Congress building.

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. Arequipa's Alfredo Rodriguez Ballon International Airport (AQP) has partially resumed services following an earlier closure; however, until further notice, flight operations are only occurring 06:00-13:00. Juliaca's Inca Manco Capac International Airport (JUL) remains closed.

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 operating but may be suspended again on short notice; the ruins themselves, as well as the Inca Trail to them, have also reopened but may close again on short notice.

Further clashes between protesters and police, as well as between supporters of rival political parties, are likely, as are associated business and transport disruptions. Localized shortages of essential goods, including food, fuel, and potable water, are possible due to disruptions to truck shipments. Lingering disruptions to flight operations, as well as additional airport closures, are possible.

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 is permitted to remain in office until 2026, when Castillo's term was set to end, she has called for elections to be held in 2023 as a means of appeasing demonstrators. However, Congress has repeatedly rejected proposals to hold early elections this year, further angering protesters. 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. Obey curfew orders if operating in Puno Department. 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. Secure supplies of essential goods.