Peru has declared a 30-day state of emergency in its capital, Lima, and the nearby port city of Callao as the government intensifies efforts to curb rising insecurity and organised crime.
Interim president Jose Jeri made the announcement on national television on Tuesday, saying the decision, approved by the council of ministers, would take effect at midnight on Wednesday. The state of emergency empowers security forces to deploy the military alongside police and temporarily suspend certain civil liberties, including the freedom of assembly.
“This marks the beginning of a new phase in the fight against crime,” Jeri said. “We are moving from the defensive to the offensive to restore peace, tranquility, and trust among Peruvians.” He added that insecurity had “increased disproportionately in recent years,” bringing pain to thousands of families and impeding national progress.
The 30-day decree is Jeri’s first major action since taking office nearly two weeks ago following the impeachment of former president Dina Boluarte. Lawmakers accused Boluarte of corruption and failing to address the country’s deteriorating security situation, which has sparked weeks of anti-government protests.
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According to officials, more than 200 people, including police officers, demonstrators, and journalists, have been injured in the unrest, while one protester was killed by police gunfire. The transport sector has also suffered heavily, with at least 47 bus drivers murdered this year in suspected extortion-related attacks, a key factor behind the growing insecurity crisis.
Lima was last placed under partial emergency rule from March to July after the killing of a well-known musician linked to organised crime.
Jose Jeri, formerly the speaker of parliament, will serve as interim president until July 2026.