The government of Lima and neighbouring Callao, Peru, has declared a 30-day state of emergency in response to a sharp rise in violent crime and recent public unrest. President José Jeri announced the measure in a televised address, saying the country would shift “from defence to offence” in the fight against criminal networks.
What the measure entails
Effective just after midnight, the declaration authorises the deployment of the armed forces alongside police across Lima and Callao to restore public order. While the full details of operations remain sparse, it typically allows for heightened patrolling, fewer restrictions on military-involved operations, and temporary limits on some civil liberties for the duration of the emergency.
The trigger behind the decision
The move follows rising frustration among citizens over increasing crime rates and a recent protest in Lima that left one person dead and over 100 injured. Transit workers, youth groups, and other civil society actors have demanded stronger government action— especially amid reports that murders and extortion have been rising.
What is the reason for this timing, and what does it indicate for Peru?
Jeri, who assumed office this month following the removal of his predecessor, made combating crime a central plank of his agenda. The declaration signals that the new administration recognises crimes as a major threat to public confidence and political stability. However, analysts point out that similar 30-day emergency protocols in Peru’s recent history have had limited success in effecting long-term crime reductions.
Consequences for citizens and governance
For citizens, the state of emergency indicates military and police presence on the street may increase, and operations may become more apparent and cause maximum disruption. For governance, the move places pressure on the administration to deliver tangible improvements quickly — not just symbolic action. Should the crisis persist, the government risks losing credibility.
The broader context
Peru has been grappling with a broader security crisis—organized crime, increasing violence in urban areas and mining regions, and a public perception of diminished state control. The emergency in Lima and Callao is the latest and most visible manifestation of that challenge.
In essence, it’s a bold and high-stakes gamble, one that could mark Peru’s long-awaited turning point or fade as yet another fleeting response in the nation’s ongoing struggle for security
