Soldiers and police filled the streets of Lima on Wednesday as President José Jerí began enforcing a nationwide Peru state of emergency. The measure seeks to control spiraling crime that has shaken public confidence.
The decree suspends several constitutional rights, including freedom of assembly and protest. It bans two adults from riding one motorcycle, a rule designed to curb drive-by shootings and extortion attempts. It also restricts prison visits and allows authorities to cut power to cells except for lighting.
A New President Facing Old Problems
President José Jerí, who took office on October 10, 2025, inherited a country on edge. Lawmakers removed former President Dina Boluarte after she failed to contain growing violence and corruption. Days after Jerí’s swearing-in, protesters filled Lima’s streets demanding his resignation. One demonstrator was killed by police gunfire, and another suffered a severe head injury.
In response, Jerí declared the Peru state of emergency, promising to restore order. Yet many Peruvians remain skeptical, recalling that similar decrees under Boluarte did little to curb the chaos.
Public Frustration Grows
Commuters, vendors, and workers expressed doubt that the new decree would bring results.
“There have already been several states of emergency,” said Manuel Timoteo, waiting for a bus in northern Lima. “The soldiers appear for a few days and then leave. Nothing changes.”
Many Peruvians share his frustration. Boluarte’s emergency declaration in March 2025, later extended to May, was heavily criticized for failing to reduce gang-related violence.
Crime Surge Alarms Authorities
Peru’s crime rate has soared over the past decade. Homicides rose from 676 cases in 2017 to 2,082 in 2024, according to official data. Reports of extortion exploded from 2,305 in 2020 to 21,746 in 2024.
Criminal networks have spread from the northern regions to Lima, running extortion rings, smuggling operations, and drug trafficking. Small business owners and public transport operators are frequent victims.
In several high-profile cases, bus drivers were murdered in broad daylight for refusing to pay extortion fees. Passengers watched in horror as shooters escaped on motorcycles — one reason the government now bans two riders.
Military and Police Deployed Across Lima
Under the Peru state of emergency, soldiers and police are jointly patrolling high-risk districts such as San Juan de Lurigancho, Comas, and Villa El Salvador. Authorities have set up checkpoints and curfews to limit gang movement and weapons smuggling.
“The state of emergency is a temporary but essential step,” Jerí said in a national address. “We must protect our citizens and restore peace.”
Government officials claim that limiting civil liberties is necessary for effective policing. They promise transparency and accountability during operations.
Rights Concerns and Political Risk
Human rights advocates worry that the decree could open the door to abuse. Freedom of assembly remains suspended, and critics fear the government might silence opposition voices.
“Emergency powers in Peru have a troubling history,” warned María del Pilar Córdova, an analyst with the Peruvian Institute for Human Rights. “They often fail to reduce crime and instead erode civil liberties.”
Jerí’s political standing is fragile. Congress installed him after Boluarte’s impeachment, and he lacks a direct public mandate. Any sign of authoritarian behavior could deepen public mistrust.
Economic Consequences
The Peru state of emergency also worries business owners. Small merchants and informal traders fear that curfews and patrols will reduce evening sales and disrupt deliveries.
According to the Peruvian Chamber of Commerce, small and medium enterprises employ 80% of the workforce. These businesses are also the main victims of extortion, forced to pay protection money to operate.
Economists warn that without social and economic support, strict security measures could hurt local economies and fuel more resentment.
Rising Violence and Government Response
Interior Minister Rosa Salazar said authorities have arrested dozens of suspects in connection with recent murders and extortion schemes. She promised a stronger focus on intelligence-led policing and cooperation between the National Police and Armed Forces.
“Our strategy combines enforcement with prevention,” Salazar told reporters. “We will pursue gangs, dismantle their finances, and protect honest workers.”
Still, critics say short-term deployments rarely produce lasting results. Past crackdowns often ended once the soldiers withdrew, allowing gangs to reestablish control.
Lima Residents Adjust to Heavy Security
By midweek, Lima’s major intersections were lined with soldiers carrying rifles. Military trucks patrolled near markets, bus stations, and schools.
Some residents welcomed the presence. “At least now, thieves will think twice before robbing,” said Luisa Ramos, a shopkeeper in San Martín district. Others worried about excessive force or harassment.
Checkpoints have slowed traffic, but authorities insist the inconvenience is necessary to ensure safety.
A Long Battle Ahead
The challenge for Jerí’s government is to prove that the Peru state of emergency can deliver where past efforts failed. Experts say real progress will depend on sustained reforms, police modernization, and community engagement — not just soldiers on the streets.
Analyst Ricardo Gómez noted that crime reduction requires “a complete overhaul of the justice system and local governance.” Without it, he said, “the problem will return as soon as the troops leave.”
A Nation Caught Between Fear and Fatigue
For many Peruvians, the daily fear of crime overshadows concerns about civil liberties. The desire for safety remains strong, even as faith in the government weakens.
“We’re tired of promises,” said María López, a mother of two in Villa El Salvador. “We just want to walk the streets without fear.”
Whether Jerí’s emergency measures can make that happen remains uncertain. For now, Lima stands under the watchful eyes of its soldiers — a city balancing hope and exhaustion.
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