The World Briefly

January 23, 2023

Andean Shakeup

Peru

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Peruvian protesters and police clashed in the capital, Lima, and other cities over the weekend, the latest bout of unrest since mass demonstrations erupted in the South American nation following the ousting of President Pedro Castillo last month, Axios reported.

One historic building in Lima caught fire as riot police and protesters skirmished. Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the blaze.

Meanwhile, officials ordered the closure of the famous tourist site of Machu Picchu on Saturday in an effort “to protect the safety of tourists and the population in general,” according to the Associated Press.

Violence has gripped Peru for more than a month as thousands of demonstrators – many of them from the predominately Indigenous south – have been protesting Castillo’s removal.

Last month, Peruvian lawmakers removed Castillo after he attempted to dissolve Congress and rule by decree. Authorities later detained him and charged the leftist leader with inciting a rebellion.

Following Castillo’s ousting, Dina Boluarte – his vice president – was sworn in as the country’s leader.

But protesters have been demanding Boluarte’s resignation and called for new elections. They have also demanded the dissolution of Congress.

More than 55 people have been killed in the unrest, prompting louder calls for Boluarte to step down.

Observers noted that the protests highlight the country’s vast divide between the urban elite, who largely live in Lima, and Peruvians who live in impoverished rural areas.

This story originally appeared in the January 23, 2023 newsletter, The Celtic Conundrum.