Peru protests: Govt declares nationwide state of emergency
James ChapplePeru’s government has declared a 30-day nationwide state of emergency owing to widespread protesting following the ousting of president Pedro Castillo last week.
Castillo was replaced by the country’s first female president, Dina Boluarte, last Wednesday (7 December) after being impeached; the Foreign Office has described the political situation in the country as "increasingly volatile", with dissent expected to escalate in capital Lima over the coming days.
"There have been widespread protests, some of which are violent and can escalate quickly," said the FCDO.
Increasingly, the FCDO has warned of the impact of the unrest on travel within the country, with several airports shut. These include Arequipa, serving Peru’s second largest city, and Cusco, the airport serving Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail.
PeruRail services to and from Machu Picchu have also been suspended, while road blockades have disrupted tourist routes in the country including parts of the Pan-American Highway, the FCDO said.
In a fresh update issued early on Thursday (15 December), the FCDO confirmed the Peruvian government has now declared a 30-day nationwide state of emergency. "The political situation is volatile," it said.
A third airport – Juliaca – has now been shut, while the terminal of the country’s main airport in Lima is now open only to passengers with a scheduled flight who are able to provide proof of purchase via a valid credit or bank card.
Protests are said to be ongoing in Apurimac, Arequipa, Cusco, Ica "and elsewhere", resulting in disruption to local road, rail and air travel.
Travellers are advised by the FCDO to liaise with their airline, hotel and/or tour operator for further advice and assistance with measures to mitigate any disruption, and for information on alternative arrangements for onward travel.
"Protests in the coming days are expected to be concentrated in the centre of Lima around government and state buildings and you should consider avoiding these areas," the FCDO added.
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