Peru: Disruptive protests likely to continue nationwide through at least early January /update 14

Event

An ongoing wave of major protests, along with a general strike, will likely continue in Peru through at least early January; the unrest erupted in early December in response to the arrest of then-President Pedro Castillo. As of Jan. 6, demonstrators demanding the closure of Congress and the holding of new elections have gathered near Inca Manco Capac International Airport (JUL) in Juliaca, forcing the facility to indefinitely suspend operations. Protesters have also repeatedly hindered access to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ), causing flight disruptions. Additional disruptions near and at other airports, as well as further temporary airport closures, are possible throughout the country.

The demonstrations have also severely disrupted ground transport throughout Peru, especially in the south. As of Jan. 6, protesters are blocking highways in the departments of Apurimac, Ayacucho, Cajamarca, Cusco, Ica, Junin, Madre de Dios, Moquegua, and Puno. Demonstrations have also occurred in the departments of Arequipa and Pucallpa, where activists have joined the strike.

The general strike has also repeatedly forced the suspension of all rail services between Cusco and the Machu Picchu ruins, as well as passenger rail services between the departments of Arequipa, Cusco, and Puno. Additional rail disruptions are likely, with service suspensions possibly occurring with little to no notice.

Demonstrations are also likely to continue in other areas, including Lima, where protesters have frequently 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 directive, 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 facility.

Further clashes between protesters and police, as well as between supporters of rival political parties, cannot be ruled out.

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.