Peru’s security crisis, exacerbated by ongoing violence and a lack of effective governance, has prompted emergency measures from President Dina Boluarte that have failed to yield improvement. Public discontent is rising due to corruption allegations against key officials, including Interior Minister Juan José Santiváñez, amidst calls for accountability and a coherent security strategy.
Peru’s escalating security crisis remains uncontained despite President Dina Boluarte’s implementation of emergency measures. The populace expresses skepticism regarding the government’s efficacy as crime rates persist and corruption allegations undermine hopes for competent governance.
In reaction to violence, Boluarte declared a state of emergency in Lima and Callao starting March 18, following the murder of cumbia artist Paul Flores. This 30-day emergency grants police extended authority with military support and suspends constitutional rights such as free movement and assembly.
Despite these measures, violence persists with additional homicides reported, prompting debates over the government’s security approach. This announcement marks the second state of emergency in six months, following a prior declaration in September 2024 due to extortion concerns among transport workers. Critics assert these actions are merely reactive rather than preventive strategies against organized crime.
Interior Minister Juan José Santiváñez, pivotal in this crisis, now faces three censure motions in Congress, which may take place from March 26-29. His position is precarious, with about 70 votes in support of his removal, marking a potential seventh ousting of an Interior Minister under Boluarte.
The Fuerza Popular party condemned Santiváñez’s strategy, stating, “The grave security crisis facing the country evidences the failure…”. Public discontent is illustrated by a 79% disapproval rating for Santiváñez, although Boluarte continues to back him, raising questions regarding their shared legal predicaments.
The emergency followed the violent assassination of Flores, shot during an attack on his band’s bus on March 26. Despite earlier extortion threats, authorities failed to provide security, raising criticisms over the government’s inability to prevent such violence.
Boluarte’s controversial proposals, including consideration of the death penalty for criminals, contradict established legal frameworks, further highlighting the absence of a coherent crime prevention strategy. The Human Rights Ombudsman emphasized that previous emergency measures yielded minimal reduction in crime, underscoring the need for evidence-based policies instead of political posturing.
Recent statistics reveal a stark crime landscape, with over 2,000 homicides in 2024 and 123 already in January 2025. Cities like Lima encounter rampant extortion and gang violence, exacerbated by transnational groups such as the Venezuelan “Tren de Aragua.”
Amidst these challenges, Santiváñez faces corruption allegations, including soliciting bribes to influence judicial outcomes. Despite accumulating evidence—such as audio recordings and transfer documents—Boluarte has refrained from holding him accountable, branding the accusations as “political harassment”.
Bloomberg characterized Boluarte, whose approval plummeted to 5%, as “one of the world’s most unpopular leaders,” suggesting her absence from significant events during the crisis has intensified criticism of her disengagement from pressing national issues.
Further concerns arise from the authoritarian nature of the emergency measures, which permit warrantless home entries and restrict public gatherings—powers that pose risks of abuse. Official reports indicate diminished military and police presence in crucial areas during the initial emergency hours.
Peru’s turmoil mirrors similar organized crime issues in neighboring Ecuador and Colombia. However, the government’s ineffective, reactive strategies mar its capacity to mitigate this crisis effectively. As Peru approaches critical parliamentary decisions regarding Santiváñez, the fundamental question looms: Can Peru extricate itself from the cycles of violence and corruption? The current outlook under Boluarte remains tenuous.
The ongoing security crisis in Peru, marked by persistent violence and public discontent, showcases the ineffectiveness of government interventions led by President Dina Boluarte and Interior Minister Juan José Santiváñez. The measures implemented, while drastic, have failed to curb criminal activities, with skepticism surrounding governance deepening due to corruption allegations and authoritarian tactics. As Peru faces critical political decisions, the prospect of a resolution to these entrenched issues appears increasingly grim.
Original Source: www.intellinews.com
