Peru: Authorities maintain states of emergency in some areas as of Feb. 28 /update 28

Event

In response to continued unrest, Peru is maintaining several states of emergency, with the following states of emergency in effect as of Feb. 28:

• Lima Department, the Constitutional Province of Callao, the Pan-American Highway, the Central Highway, the South Apurimac-Cusco-Arequipa Highway Corridor, and the South Interoceanic Highway Corridor: State of emergency through at least March 15

• Amazonas, La Libertad, and Tacna departments: State of emergency through at least March 18

• Padre Abad Province, Ucayali Department: State of emergency through at least March 30

• Apurimac, Arequipa, Cusco, Madre de Dios, Moquegua, Puno, and Tacna departments: State of emergency through at least April 5

• Condorcanqui and Imaza and Aramango districts, Amazonas Department: State of emergency through at least April 19

Under the states of emergency, some constitutional rights are suspended, and the armed forces are permitted to carry out law-enforcement tasks, such as policing protests. In Puno Department, the armed forces have been given command of all security operations. Troops deployed under the emergency declarations have largely focused on protecting airports and other critical infrastructure.

As of Feb. 28, authorities have cleared the roadblocks that had previously been set up on highways by demonstrators in all departments except for Puno. Within Puno Department, several highways remain blocked by protesters, including highways PE-3S, PE-3SH, PE-3SG, PE-34B, PE-34H, PE-34I, PE-35B, and PE-36A. Additional roadblocks are possible, as are violent clashes between demonstrators and authorities attempting to disperse protesters and dismantle roadblocks.

Disruptive protests will likely continue in Peru through at least mid-March, especially as the General Confederation of Workers of Peru (Confederacion General de Trabajadores del Peru, CGTP), one of the country's largest unions, and the Puno branch of the Sole Union of Education Workers of Peru (Sindicato Unico de Trabajadores de la Educación del Peru, SUTEP), have called for strikes and demonstrations to demand the resignation of President Dina Boluarte and oppose the Congress' decision to reject several proposals to hold early elections.

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.

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 from 06:00-13:00. Juliaca's Inca Manco Capac International Airport (JUL) remains closed.

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.