Peru: Authorities modify states of emergency in some areas as of March 13 /update 29

Event

Authorities in Peru plan to amend the states of emergency (SoE) currently in force in certain locations in response to ongoing unrest. As of March 13, the administration intends to allow the SoE in the Lima Department and the Constitutional Province of Callao to expire without renewal. However, the government has also extended the directive that applies to several major highways and continues to maintain SoEs elsewhere, with the following remaining in effect as of March 13:

• Amazonas, La Libertad, and Tacna departments: Through at least March 18

• Padre Abad Province, Ucayali Department: Through at least March 30

• Apurimac, Arequipa, Cusco, Madre de Dios, Moquegua, Puno, and Tacna departments: Through at least April 5

• Ica Department: Through at least April 12

• Pan-American Highway, the Central Highway, the South Apurimac-Cusco-Arequipa Highway Corridor, and the South Interoceanic Highway Corridor: Through at least April 14

• Condorcanqui and Imaza and Aramango districts, Amazonas Department: Through at least April 19

Under SoE, some constitutional rights are suspended, and the armed forces are permitted to carry out law-enforcement tasks, such as policing protests. In Puno Department, the armed forces have been given command of all security operations. Troops deployed under the emergency declarations have largely focused on protecting airports and other critical infrastructure.

As of March. 13, authorities have cleared protester roadblocks in all departments except for Puno where some thoroughfares remain blocked by activists, including highways PE-3S, PE-3SG, PE-3SH, and PE-34H. Additional roadblocks are possible, as are clashes between demonstrators and police.

Disruptive protests will likely continue in southern Peru, especially Puno Department, through March, as demonstrators continue to demand the resignation of President Dina Boluarte and oppose the Congress' decision to reject several proposals to hold early elections. Major unions are also likely to continue to call for strikes, both nationally and regionally, in the coming weeks.

Protests also continue in Lima, with demonstrators frequently clashing with police in the capital. While demonstrations have occurred throughout the city, they have been especially large in central Lima, with protesters often gathering in main squares, such as Plaza San Martin and Plaza Dos de Mayo. Gatherings have been particularly violent on and near Avenida Abancay, which police frequently close to prevent demonstrators from marching to the Congress building.

As part of nationwide measures, police, and military forces have implemented strict security protocols at all airports; security forces only permit ticketed passengers to enter. Arequipa's Alfredo Rodriguez Ballon International Airport (AQP) has partially resumed services following an earlier closure; however, until further notice, flight operations are only occurring from 06:00-13:00. Juliaca's Inca Manco Capac International Airport (JUL) remains closed.

Further clashes between protesters and police, as well as between supporters of rival political parties, are likely, as are associated business and transport disruptions. 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 is permitted to remain in office until 2026, when Castillo's term was set to end, she has called for elections to be held in 2023 as a means of appeasing demonstrators. However, Congress has repeatedly rejected proposals to hold early elections this year, further angering protesters. 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 36 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 all transport reservations. 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.