Peru’s interim president, Jose Jeri, has declared a state of emergency in the capital, Lima, and the nearby port city of Callao following weeks of unrest and a sharp rise in violent crime.
“The state of emergency approved by the Council of Ministers will take effect at midnight on Wednesday and will last for 30 days in Metropolitan Lima and Callao,” Jeri announced in a national address on Tuesday, broadcast by state television.
The measure allows the government to deploy the army to patrol the streets and temporarily restricts freedom of assembly and other civil rights. It marks the first major action by Jeri since taking office nearly two weeks ago.
“Crime has increased disproportionately in recent years, causing immense pain to thousands of families and further hindering the country’s progress. But that’s over. Today, we begin to change the narrative of insecurity in Peru.” Jeri said.
The declaration follows weeks of anti-government protests over corruption and insecurity that have left more than 200 people injured and one man dead. Demonstrators have accused authorities of failing to contain organised crime, which has hit the transportation sector particularly hard with at least 47 bus drivers killed this year in suspected extortion-related attacks.
Jeri vowed to take an “offensive” approach to restoring peace and public confidence. “We are moving from the defensive to the offensive in the fight against crime, a fight that will allow us to regain peace, tranquility, and the trust of millions of Peruvians,” he said.
The unrest led lawmakers to impeach President Dina Boluarte on October 10, blaming her for the worsening security situation and alleged corruption.
Lima was previously under a partial state of emergency from March to July, following the killing of a popular musician linked to organised crime.
Peru, which has seen seven governments in the past decade, continues to grapple with deep political instability. Jeri, formerly parliament speaker, is set to serve as interim president until July 2026.