Peru: Disruptive protests and major related transport and business disruptions likely nationwide through early January /update 13

Event

Following a brief lull over the holidays, major protests have resumed in Peru as of early January in response to the Dec. 7 arrest of then-President Pedro Castillo. As of Jan. 4, demonstrators have begun an indefinite general strike to demand Castillo's release from prison, the closing of the national Congress, and early elections in 2023. As part of the strike, protesters are blocking highways in the departments of Cusco, Junin, and Puno. Additional demonstrations are likely in the departments of Apurimac, Arequipa, Ayacucho, Madre de Dios, and Moqugua, where activists have said that they plan on joining the strike.

Previous protests forced the temporary closure of airports. While all airports have since opened, as of Jan. 4, demonstrations near the Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) in Cusco are disrupting transit to and from the airport. Additional disruptions near and at other airports are possible throughout the country.

The general strike has also forced the suspension of all rail services between Cusco and the Machu Picchu ruins, as well as all passenger rail services between the departments of Arequipa, Cusco, and Puno.

Demonstrations are also likely to resume in other areas, including Lima, where protesters have repeatedly gathered at Plaza San Martin. From there, demonstrators often attempt to march to the Congress building on Avenida Abancay; clashes between police and demonstrators regularly occur on Avenida Abancay.

A state of emergency remains in effect nationwide until at least mid-January. 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. The state of emergency further authorizes the armed forces to engage in law enforcement activities, such as policing protests.

According to the minister of defense, under the emergency measures, the armed forces will mobilize to reopen roads that have been blocked by protesters. Troops will also protect airports and other critical infrastructure. As part of the measures, police and military forces have implemented strict security protocols at some airports; at Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM), which serves Lima and Callao, security forces are only permitting ticketed passengers to enter the airport premises.

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 in early January.

Context

Castillo's Dec. 7 arrest and removal from office came hours after he announced that he would dissolve Congress, establish a new emergency government, and implement a nationwide curfew - a move that the legislature saw as unconstitutional. Following the president'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, which was scheduled to end in 2026, she has since asked Congress to end her term, as well as the congressional term, early, so that general elections can be held. After initially rejecting early elections, Congress eventually approved holding them 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, Honduras, and Mexico have issued communiques recognizing Castillo as the legitimate president of Peru, causing Peru to expel the Mexican ambassador. Late Dec. 15, a judge 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 the departments of Apurimac, Arequipa, and Ayacucho. At least 28 people have been killed 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 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.