Peru: Protests likely to continue nationwide through mid-February /update 24

Event

Disruptive protests are likely to continue in Peru through at least mid-February. The General Confederation of Workers of Peru (Confederacion General de Trabajadores del Peru, CGTP) has called for a nationwide indefinite strike from Feb. 9. Participants demand the resignation of President Dina Boluarte and oppose the Congress' decision to reject several proposals to hold early elections. The CGTP brings together more than half of Peru's unions from several industries, including mining, construction, and education. Protests associated with the strike are likely, although union leaders have not confirmed any gatherings.

As of early Feb. 3, most demonstrations have been occurring in the south, including Cusco, Ica, and Junin regions. Protests have also continued in the capital, Lima. Blockades are still ongoing, with traffic disruptions reported on KM 140 of Carretera Central in Morococha, Yauli Province, Junin Department. Significant traffic disruptions have also been reported in Cusco Department, especially in Canchis, Anta, and La Convencion provinces. Protesters may also block key highways around Lima.

A state of emergency is in effect in several areas and highways through at least mid-February. Under the measures, some constitutional rights are suspended, and the armed forces are permitted to carry out law-enforcement tasks such as policing protests. Affected areas include:

• Amazonas, Cusco, La Libertad, Lima, Puno, and Tacna Departments

• The Constitutional Province of Callao

• Andahuaylas Province in Apurimac Department

• Tambopata and Tahuamanu provinces in Madre de Dios Department

• Torata District, Mariscal Nieto Province in Moquegua Department

• Pan-American Highway North

• Pan-American Highway South

• Central Highway

• South Apurimac-Cusco-Arequipa Road Corridor

• South Interoceanic Road Corridor

Peru's Ministry of Defense and Ministry of the Interior announced Jan. 26 that the armed forces and National Police intend to forcibly clear the highways of protesters and roadblocks. The use of military force and violent clashes are possible when dispersing protesters.

Troops deployed under the emergency declarations have largely focused on protecting airports and other critical infrastructure. As part of nationwide measures, police and military forces have implemented strict security protocols at all airports; security forces are only permitting ticketed passengers to enter. Arequipa's Alfredo Rodríguez Ballon International Airport (AQP) has partially resumed services; flight operations are continuing only between 06:00-13:00 until further notice. Juliaca's Inca Manco Capac International Airport (JUL) remains closed through at least early February.

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 suspended as of Feb. 3, with the ruins themselves as well as the Inca Trail to them closed by authorities.

Protests are likely to persist through mid-February. Further clashes between protesters and police, as well as between supporters of rival political parties, are likely. Associated business and transit disruptions are likely. Localized shortages of essential goods, including food, fuel, and potable water, are possible, due to disruptions to truck shipments. Lingering disruptions to flight operations, as well as additional airport closures, are possible.

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, Cusco, and Puno departments. At least 60 people have 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 flights before departing for the airport and seek other modes of transportation if necessary. Heed the instructions of security personnel. Maintain contact with diplomatic representations. Secure supplies of essential goods.