Peru’s new president, José Jerí, has declared a 30-day state of emergency in the capital, Lima, as his government struggles to contain a sharp rise in killings, extortion, and public attacks that has shaken the Andean nation and had led to the impeachment of his predecessor.
The emergency, announced Tuesday night, grants security forces expanded powers and restricts certain civil rights, including freedom of movement and assembly. The decree, published shortly after Jerí’s televised address, allows the military to assist police in maintaining order.
Between January and September 2025, Peruvian police recorded 1,690 homicides, up from 1,502 in the same period last year, showing growing public concern over violent crime. The wave of insecurity has sparked repeated protests and was a key factor in the October 10 impeachment of former President Dina Boluarte, who lawmakers accused of failing to confront the crisis.
Jerí, formerly the leader of Peru’s Congress, assumed office immediately after Boluarte’s removal. In his address, he promised a tougher, more proactive security policy, declaring, “Wars are won with actions, not words.” He described his government’s new anti-crime strategy as shifting “from defence to offence.”
Public frustration, however, shows little sign of easing. Thousands of demonstrators, many from a growing youth movement against corruption and violence, rallied in Lima on Thursday to demand Jerí’s resignation. The protest turned violent, leaving one civilian dead and about 100 people injured, including police officers and several journalists.
Despite mounting pressure, Jerí said later that day he would not step down, insisting that restoring security was his administration’s top priority.
Former President Boluarte had also declared a 30-day state of emergency in March, a move that had failed to curb the rise in organised crime and drug-related violence. According to that, it is very possible that Jerí’s decree may face similar challenges unless accompanied by deeper reforms in policing and justice.
For now, the government hopes the new measures put in place by Jose will reassure the public that it takes their needs seriously, and will also demonstrate as a break from past inaction.
Africa Digital News, New York
