Status: 12/23/2022 10:28 am
Peru has been plagued by unrest since President Castillo was ousted and arrested. The Federal Foreign Office has now advised against “unnecessary” trips. Castillo’s niece reports that he is in poor health.
In view of the ongoing protests in Peru, the Federal Foreign Office has advised against “unnecessary” trips to the South American country. Travel to the southern regions of Cusco, Arequipa and Apurímac is even strongly discouraged, according to a statement from the ministry. Accordingly, Cusco in particular is affected by unrest.
Avoid crowds
According to the Foreign Office, travelers should avoid crowds and find out more from local media and authorities. The local governments and some places had agreed on a ceasefire until January 2, it said. However, this does not mean that isolated, even violent demonstrations and spontaneous roadblocks cannot occur, the Federal Foreign Office said.
For weeks there have been violent clashes between supporters of deposed President Pedro Castillo and the security forces in Peru. According to official figures, more than 20 people lost their lives. The demonstrators are demanding the release of Castillo, who is being held in custody, and immediate new elections. They are also demanding the resignation of his successor, Boluarte.
Castillo’s niece expresses concern
Castillo’s niece, meanwhile, called for justice and transparency. Her uncle is in poor health, she reported.
Castillo is accused of a coup attempt by the public prosecutor. Peru’s new President Dina Boluarte declared a state of emergency for the whole country. This gave the military additional powers and patrolled the cities. Night curfews from 6 p.m. also applied in numerous provinces.
Parliament finally cleared the way for snap elections. It voted by a large majority in favor of a constitutional reform bringing forward presidential and parliamentary elections from 2026 to April 2024. The reform still has to be approved by a two-thirds majority in the second reading.