Peru: State of emergency declared Dec. 12 in response to protests following the arrest of President Pedro Castillo and transfer of power /update 5

Event

President Dina Boluarte has declared a 60-day state of emergency in the provinces of Abancay, Andahuaylas, Antabamba, Aymaraes, Chincheros, Grau, and Cotabambas, all of which are located in Apurimac Department, beginning Dec. 12. The measure was in response to major unrest across much of Peru following the arrest of President Pedro Castillo and his removal from office Dec. 7. Under the state of emergency, several constitutional rights are suspended, including the right to transit, the right to assembly, and the right to be free from warrantless searches. Additionally, the state of emergency authorizes the armed forces to engage in law-enforcement activities such as policing protests.

Despite the state of emergency, protests and roadblocks are likely across Peru over the coming days. As of late Dec. 12, protesters demanding the dissolution of Congress and new elections have forced the closure of Alfredo Rodriguez Ballon International Airport (AQP), which serves the city of Arequipa and is located in Cerro Colorado, Arequipa Department, as well as Andahuaylas Airport (ANS), which serves Andahuaylas and is located in Huinchos, Apurimac Department. The airport closures have caused numerous flight cancellations. Protest activity may force the closure of additional airports over the coming days; impacted airports may close and/or reopen on short notice.

Additionally, protesters have blocked highways across Peru, especially in the south of the country. Notably, the Pan-American Highway is blocked in parts of the departments of Arequipa, Ica, and Tacna, and demonstrators are also protesting on the highway in the northern department of Trujillo. Police report that other highways have been blocked in the departments of Abancay, Cusco, and Puno; sporadic demonstrations are also likely to block roads and highways elsewhere in the country. The protests have caused major transport delays, and interprovincial bus companies have mostly suspended their operations, especially on routes south of Lima.

Additional demonstrations are likely throughout the country. Protests have been particularly violent in Apurimac Department, where initial reports indicate that two people were killed in demonstrations in Andahuaylas and two others killed in Chincheros. During the unrest, at least one police officer was captured and held hostage by protesters. Additionally, at least one person was killed in clashes with police in Arequipa.

Demonstrations are also likely in Lima, where protesters will probably gather at Plaza San Martin. From there, demonstrators may attempt to march to the Congress building on Avenida Abancay. Marches to Congress often turn violent once they reach Avenida Abancay as police typically deploy tear gas to prevent the protesters from reaching the building.

Elsewhere, police have heavily deployed to protest locations, occasionally attempting to forcibly disperse the demonstrations; protesters have thrown rocks and debris in retaliation. Further clashes between protesters and police, as well as between supporters of rival political parties, cannot be ruled out. Protest-related disruptions to transport and business are likely to continue over the coming days.

Context

Castillo's Dec. 7 arrest and removal from the office came hours after he announced that he would unconstitutionally dissolve Congress, establish a new emergency government, and implement a nationwide curfew. Following Castillo's arrest, Vice President Dina Boluarte was sworn in as the new president, effectively nullifying Castillo's earlier announcement.

While Boluarte initially said that she would serve out the rest of Castillo's term, scheduled to end in 2026, she announced Dec. 12 that she would ask Congress to amend the constitution to end her term early so that general elections can be held in April 2024. 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, and Mexico issued a joint statement recognizing Castillo as the legitimate president of Peru.

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 flights before departing for the airport and seek other modes of transportation if necessary. Heed the instructions of security personnel. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation.