Peru: Authorities extend state of emergency in La Libertad Department as of May 22 /update 37

Event

As of May 22, authorities have extended the state of emergency in La Libertad Department through at least June 18. The state of emergency is in response to the unrest that began in December 2022, though the frequency and intensity of protests have significantly diminished since then.

As of May 22, the following states of emergency remain in effect:

• Puno Department: Through at least June 6

• La Libertad Department: Through at least June 18

• South Apurimac-Cusco-Arequipa Highway Corridor and South Interoceanic Highway Corridor: Through at least July 13

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 remain in command of all security operations. Troops deployed under the emergency declarations have largely focused on protecting airports and other critical infrastructure.

Though the states of emergency remain in effect, protests have largely subsided throughout the country, with authorities dismantling all roadblocks that had been in place and reopening all airports. Some protests will likely continue, especially in southern Peru - and in Puno Department in particular - through early June, as demonstrators press for the resignation of President Dina Boluarte and oppose the Congress' decision to reject several proposals to hold early elections.

Past demonstrations have notably occurred in the main squares of central Lima, such as Plaza San Martin and Plaza Dos de Mayo, and additional demonstrations are possible in Lima.

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 issued communiques recognizing Castillo as the legitimate president of Peru, causing Peru to recall its ambassadors to those countries and to expel the Mexican ambassador. A judge ordered Castillo to be held in jail for up to 36 months as prosecutors build a case against him.

Protests were particularly violent in Apurimac, Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cusco, and Puno departments. At least 60 people 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.