Peru’s interim President, Jose Jeri, has declared a 30-day state of emergency in the capital, Lima, and the neighboring port city of Callao, following weeks of escalating violence, protests, and organized 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.
Under the emergency decree, the government will deploy the military to assist police patrols and temporarily suspend certain civil rights, including freedom of assembly.
The move marks the first major action by President Jeri since assuming office nearly two weeks ago, after the impeachment of former President Dina Boluarte, who was removed amid corruption allegations and rising crime rates.
“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.
He added, “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.”
Peru has been grappling with weeks of unrest led by youth movements demanding tougher action against corruption and criminal gangs. More than 200 people have been injured in recent demonstrations, while one protester was reportedly shot dead by police.
The country’s transportation sector has been particularly affected, with at least 47 bus drivers killed this year in attacks believed to be linked to extortion rackets.
Peru, which has seen seven governments in the past decade, continues to face political instability and deepening public frustration. Jeri, who also serves as Parliament Speaker, will act as interim president until July 2026.
