Peru: Authorities modify state of emergency declarations as of April 20 /update 34

Event

As of April 20, Peruvian authorities have modified the areas of the country under state of emergency declarations, allowing the measures to expire in Amazonas Department and extending them in La Libertad Department through at least May 19.

The following areas remain under states of emergency as of April 20:

• Pan-American Highway, Central Highway, South Apurimac-Cusco-Arequipa Highway Corridor, and South Interoceanic Highway Corridor: Through at least May 14

• La Libertad Department: Through at least May 19

• Puno Department: Through at least June 5

Under the state of emergency declarations, 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.

Protests will likely continue in southern Peru, especially Puno Department, through April as demonstrators continue to demand the resignation of President Dina Boluarte and oppose the Congress' decision to reject several proposals to hold early elections. Though protesters had previously blocked most highways throughout the country, all roadblocks had been cleared as of April 20 except for two on Highway 3S near Ilave, Puno Department.

Past demonstrations have notably occurred in the main squares of central Lima, such as Plaza San Martin and Plaza Dos de Mayo. Protests have been particularly violent on and near the capital's Avenida Abancay, which police frequently close to prevent demonstrators from marching to the Congress building. Additional demonstrations are possible in Lima over the coming weeks.

As part of nationwide measures, police and military forces have implemented strict security protocols at all airports; security forces only permit ticketed passengers to enter. Though unrest previously forced several airports to close, service has been restored at all of them except Juliaca's Inca Manco Capac International Airport (JUL). Though airport authorities have not said when JUL will reopen, it is likely to remain closed through at least April 23.

Further clashes between protesters and police, as well as between supporters of rival political parties, are possible, as are associated business and transport disruptions.

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 36 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 all transport reservations. Heed the instructions of security personnel. Maintain contact with diplomatic representations.