Peru: Government imposes curfew for Puno Department, as of late Jan. 10 amid ongoing nationwide unrest /update 16

Event

The Peruvian government has imposed a curfew for Puno Department, including Juliaca, as of late Jan. 10 in response to ongoing violent clashes. The directive orders all citizens to remain in their homes between 20:00 and 04:00 until Jan. 13. Exceptions exist for essential workers, the purchase of necessities, and medical care.

Violent clashes continue in Juliaca, Puno Department, as of late Jan. 10 amid the ongoing unrest throughout Peru. Activists have called for a nationwide general strike, with protests and clashes likely to persist through mid-January. According to officials, clashes between police and protesters near Juliaca's Inca Manco Capac International Airport (JUL), which remains closed due to demonstrations, have killed at least 18 people and wounded 33 others as of Jan. 10.

Additional demonstrations are probable at other airports throughout the country, likely prompting flight disruptions; authorities have indefinitely suspended operations at Alfredo Mendivil Duarte Airport (AYP) in Ayacucho as of Jan. 10 as a precaution. Protesters have also repeatedly hindered access to Cusco's Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ).

Additionally, demonstrations have severely disrupted ground transport throughout Peru, especially in the south. As of Jan. 10, activists are blocking highways in the departments of Amazonas, Apurimac, Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cajamarca, Cusco, Ica, Junin, Madre de Dios, Moquegua, Puno, and Tacna. Gatherings have also occurred in the department of Pucallpa, where protesters have joined the strike.

The unrest has repeatedly forced the suspension of all rail services between the departments of Arequipa, Cusco, and Puno. Additional rail disruptions are likely, with service suspensions possible with little to no notice. Rail services between Cusco and the Machu Picchu ruins are reportedly operational but may face intermittent disruptions due to rail blockades by protesters.

Demonstrations are also likely to continue in other areas, including Lima; protesters frequently gather at Plaza San Martin and often try to march to the Congress building on Avenida Abancay, where they regularly clash with the police.

A state of emergency remains in effect nationwide until at least mid-January. Under the measure, 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, the armed forces will mobilize under the emergency measures to reopen roads that protesters have blocked. 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 only permit 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

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 initially said that she would serve 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 occur. 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. A judge has 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 Apurimac, Arequipa, Ayacucho, and Puno departments. At least 46 people have died in the unrest.

Advice

Comply with curfew orders if operating in Puno Department. 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.

Resources

Puno Department Curfew Order Jan. 10