Text: Leonardo Torres Llerena Illustration: Fernanda Peralta
While I was not there on the ground, I remained glued to my phone, following live updates from independent media and activists documenting the protests in real time. My conversations with family and friends back home painted an even starker picture—many expressed fear, anger, and exhaustion, watching their country descend further into crisis.
The protests come at a time when Peru is facing its most severe political and social crisis in decades. President Dina Boluarte, who assumed office in December 2022 after the controversial ousting of her predecessor, Pedro Castillo, remains deeply unpopular, with just 3% of approval according to the latest ratings in November and December.
Beyond the political repression, Peru is grappling with a growing insecurity crisis that has exacerbated public anger. Hitmen and extortion rackets of organised crime networks have flourished amid weak governance and law enforcement.
The coastal city of Trujillo, once known for its colonial charm and its eternal spring, has become a hotspot for violent crime, with frequent shootings in broad daylight. Even in Lima, the nation’s capital, wealthy neighbourhoods previously considered safe now see residents living in fear of criminal gangs. Alarmingly, an average of five people are murdered every day.
Text: Leonardo Torres Llerena Illustration: Fernanda Peralta