Peru: Government modifies and extends state of emergency on highways through at least Oct. 11 /update 44

Event

In response to ongoing protests demanding the resignation of President Dina Boluarte, authorities have modified and extended the state of emergency on Peru's highways through at least Oct. 11. Under the modifications, the extended state of emergency will apply only to the Apurimac-Cusco-Arequipa Southern Highway Corridor. The state of emergency on all other highways, as well as the state of emergency that applied to all areas within 0.5 km (0.3 miles) of departmental and regional highways, has been allowed to expire.

Additionally, a state of emergency remains in effect in La Libertad Department through at least Aug. 18, as well as in Puno Department through at least Sept. 3. Under the state of emergency declarations, some constitutional rights are suspended, such as the right to be free from warrantless searches, the right to free transit, and the right to free association. The declarations also allow the armed forces to assist the police in law-enforcement activities, such as clearing roadblocks set up by protesters.

Continued protests are likely in rural areas and major cities nationwide, especially those in southern Peru, such as Puno. Within Lima, previous gatherings have occurred in the main squares, such as Plaza San Martin and Plaza Dos de Mayo, and on Avenida Abancay; these protests have led to road blockades, clashes with security forces, police use of tear gas, and several injuries and arrests of activists. Additional gatherings are possible elsewhere in the city.

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

Context

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 due to end, she has called for elections in 2023 to appease demonstrators. However, Congress has repeatedly rejected proposals to hold early elections this year, further angering protesters. Meanwhile, Castillo has released statements in which he refuses to recognize Boluarte's presidency, insisting he is still legally president. In response, Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Honduras, and Mexico issued statements recognizing Castillo as the legitimate president of Peru, causing Peru to recall its ambassadors to those countries and expel the Mexican ambassador. A judge ordered Castillo to be jailed for up to 36 months as prosecutors build a case against him.

Protests were particularly violent in Apurimac, Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cusco, and Puno departments over December 2022-January 2023; 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.