Peru’s security situation deteriorates despite President Dina Boluarte’s emergency measures, with rising violence, widespread corruption, and a lack of effective governance exacerbating the crisis. Interior Minister Juan José Santiváñez faces censure, while public disapproval and policy criticism mount, raising questions about the future of security in the nation.
Peru’s security crisis escalates as President Dina Boluarte’s emergency measures fail to alleviate violence. Despite implementing repeated measures, skepticism prevails over the government’s ability to combat crime effectively, particularly due to ongoing corruption allegations at high levels of governance.
Following the assassination of cumbia singer Paul Flores, Boluarte declared a state of emergency in Lima and Callao on March 17, granting police military backing while suspending constitutional rights. This declaration marked the second emergency imposition within six months, following prior measures taken to address extortion concerns affecting transport workers.
Since the emergency was declared, there have been at least three additional homicides, raising serious doubts about the government’s security approach, with critics denouncing the measures as inadequate to tackle organized crime. Interior Minister Juan José Santiváñez, a pivotal figure in this scenario, faces potential removal following three censure motions in Congress.
Public sentiment is largely negative, with Santiváñez’s disapproval rating reaching 79%. Boluarte’s unwavering support for him raises questions, particularly as they face similar legal challenges. The declaration of emergency followed Flores’ murder but had little effect, as authorities failed to protect his band amid existing extortion threats.
Boluarte’s controversial comment regarding the death penalty for violent crimes has drawn ire, given constitutional barriers against its reinstatement. Such rhetoric underscores the administration’s failure to provide a cohesive security strategy. The Human Rights Ombudsman has criticized the ineffectiveness of previous emergency declarations and demanded evidence to support the government’s measures.
Statistics reveal a concerning trend; over 2,000 homicides occurred in 2024, with a significant number reported within 2025. Expansion of gang-related violence by organizations such as the Venezuelan “Tren de Aragua” poses challenges, while allegations of corruption against Santiváñez complicate the landscape further.
Despite serious accusations against Santiváñez, including soliciting bribes, President Boluarte has continued to defend him, describing the accusations as political harassment. With her approval rating plummeting to 5%, her administration has drawn widespread criticism for its response to the ongoing crisis, particularly following her absence from pivotal international forums amid domestic turmoil.
The response to Peru’s security crisis reflects broader regional issues, as countries like Ecuador and Colombia grapple with similar challenges of organized crime. However, the current administration’s actions, characterized by reactionary policies and deeper corruption, raise concerns regarding its capacity to effectively navigate and resolve the crisis it faces.
In summary, Peru’s security crisis is exemplified by ineffective emergency measures, rising violence, and corruption at governmental levels. The failure of Interior Minister Juan José Santiváñez to address the crisis, coupled with public discontent and the rising crime rate, poses significant challenges. Without substantial reform and trustworthy leadership, Peru’s capacity to combat these issues appears severely compromised under President Dina Boluarte’s administration.
Original Source: www.intellinews.com
