State of Emergency Declared Across Peru

After a week of unrest across the country that has left at least eight people dead, Peru announced a nationwide state of emergency (SoE) on 14 December. The SoE grants police and military additional powers and limits freedoms, including the right to assembly. The protests erupted in response to the ousting of former President Pedro Castillo, who was arrested after illegally trying to dissolve Congress during an impeachment vote.

Peru's judiciary is expected to rule in the next 24 hours on sentencing Castillo to 18 months of pre-trial detention, as requested by prosecutors. Granting this detention could continue to fuel the protests, particularly in rural areas where Castillo enjoys more support.

State of Emergency Impact

• The state of emergency is in effect for at least 30 days, with some parts of the country extending the order to 60 days.
• While no curfew has been mandated during the state of emergency, this could change as the situation evolves.
• Peru's main airport, Jorge Chavez International Airport, is enforcing additional security measures under provisions granted by the state of emergency. Travelers should anticipate longer security lines.
• The military has been deployed to protect critical infrastructure such as airports and other energy plants.

Unrest

• Over the last week, anti-government protests have taken place across the country and disrupted operations at multiple transportation hubs, including:
  • Alfredo Mendívil Duarte Airport
  • Inca Manco Capac International Airport
  • Coronel FAP Carlos Ciriani Santa Rosa International Airport
  • Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport
  • Rodríguez Ballón International Airport
  • Train services between Cusco and Machu Picchu
• Roadblocks continue to impede traffic on major roads across Peru.
• Protesters have clashed with security forces across the country.
• Schools have canceled classes over risks from protests.
• Major labor unions have called for national strikes, which could further disrupt transportation and operations across the country.
• Affected travelers are advised to shelter in place until safe transportation becomes available. Do not attempt to interfere with or remove roadblocks. 

OUTLOOK

• Unrest is likely to continue in the near-term as outrage over Castillo's arrest and possible 18-month detention remains top of mind for his supporters.
• Castillo's former vice president, Dina Boluarte, was sworn in after his removal and has pledged to move up elections to December 2023. Unions are calling for fresh elections as early as March 2023. The vote is currently scheduled for 2026, when Castillo's term would have ended.
• Unrest is likely in the medium-term if elections are not moved up as pledged. 
  

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