AGP Executive Report

Earthquake Response in the Andes: A 6.7-magnitude quake hit Peru’s southern Andes near Upahuacho (Ayacucho), felt in Ica and Arequipa, with no immediate damage reported; local officials say residents evacuated and emergency teams are assessing possible structural damage. Government Policy Priorities: Peru’s new administration laid out a 2026–2031 Government General Policy built around five axes: cutting insecurity, reducing disaster and climate vulnerability, expanding people’s opportunities, boosting productivity and formal jobs, and strengthening democratic governance and the rule of law. Trade and Asia-Pacific Push: Prime Minister Luis Galarreta said Peru will move to put its free-trade agreement with Hong Kong into force in 2026, while his policy outline notably avoided direct mention of mainland China and the Chancay megaport. Security Cooperation: Peru’s defense and U.S. partners continue expanding anti-narcotics cooperation, including U.S. support for Ecuadoran operations near the Colombia border under the Shield of the Americas framework. UN Leadership Race: UN secretary-general candidate Ivonne Baki called for Security Council reform, arguing today’s permanent-seat structure no longer matches global population shifts.

El Niño Response: The U.S. says it will send the Navy hospital ship USNS Comfort to Peru’s Pacific coast in February 2027 to help Lima prepare for El Niño’s peak impacts, after talks between Ambassador Bernie Navarro and Foreign Minister Carlos Espá. Scholarship Protest: Peru’s PRONABEC scholarship recipients and parents staged a sit-in outside the Education Ministry, warning proposed regulatory changes could mean sanctions, delays, or even expulsion—prompting pushback from the Lima Bar Association. Press Freedom Clash: Peru’s National Association of Journalists (ANP) warns a bill would criminalize “apology of aggravated crime,” arguing it could chill reporting and expand legal risk for journalists and media platforms. Security & Diplomacy: Peru also faces broader regional pressure as the U.S. expands cooperation and joint operations tied to transnational crime concerns. Amazon Church Focus: Ahead of Pope Leo XIV’s November visit, Amazon bishops say Pucallpa could become a platform for addressing Amazon wounds, Indigenous dignity, and socioenvironmental challenges.

U.S.-Peru Security & Disaster Response: The U.S. will send the military hospital ship USNS Comfort to Peru’s Pacific coast in February 2027 to help the country respond to El Niño, after talks in Miami between U.S. Ambassador Bernie Navarro and Peru’s Foreign Minister Carlos Espá. The plan includes equipment, expertise, and overflights, with the ship timed for when El Niño is expected to peak. Archaeology in Lima: AP reports archaeologists unveiled skeletal remains of an adult believed to have been buried as an offering near Huaca Pucllana, with the burial described as part of Lima culture rituals involving a canal linked to a ceremonial pool. El Niño Pressure Beyond Peru: Honduras placed 80% of the country on drought alert as El Niño threatens crops and livestock, underscoring the wider regional strain on food security and water supplies. Peru’s Political Memory: A profile on Keiko Fujimori highlights her return to her family’s tombs and frames it as a response to critics of her father, former President Alberto Fujimori, ahead of her election victory.

Protests & Fuel Subsidy: Peru’s newly inaugurated President Keiko Fujimori faces early-term street unrest as transport workers protest soaring fuel prices and road blockades, with clashes reported in the Amazon region of Ucayali; the government announced a temporary up-to-15% subsidy for freight and passenger operators to cool tensions. Archaeology & Rituals: Peru’s culture ministry says archaeologists in Lima uncovered skeletal remains near Huaca Pucllana, believed to be a man buried as an offering around 650 AD, tied to a ritual involving a canal and ceremonial pool. Defense & Industry: HD Hyundai Heavy Industries launched the Peruvian Navy’s amphibious support ship BAP Chimbote at SIMA, the first of two landing support vessels co-built in Peru under a Korean design-and-local-production model. Aviation/Procurement: Peru selected L3Harris’ AN/ALQ-254(V)1 Viper Shield electronic warfare suite for its future F-16 Block 70 fleet, boosting radar-threat self-protection within a U.S.-approved package. Mining & Permits: PPX Mining secured environmental approval for a 10,315m drilling program at the Igor Project in Portachuelos, aiming to start drilling by late September. Energy Security: Peru’s oil market is reported to be running a large deficit—production far below demand—raising reliance on imports and potential pressure on prices.

Fuel Protests Under Fujimori: Peru’s newly inaugurated President Keiko Fujimori is facing her first major wave of protests as transport workers block roads over soaring fuel prices tied to supply shortages and Petroperú issues; Fujimori has floated a temporary subsidy that’s not calming all sectors. Security Cooperation: The FBI joined a Peruvian operation targeting suspected Tren de Aragua members, with U.S. agents working alongside Peru’s GRECCO unit—part of a broader push against transnational organized crime. Peru-US Tech & Procurement: A new security agenda between Peru and the United States points to more border and prison upgrades, biometric tools, and tighter public procurement, data protection, integrity, and cross-border investigations. Lima Archaeology: Archaeologists at Huaca Pucllana unveiled a 1,400-year-old burial they believe was a ritual offering, including a ceramic snake head, deepening understanding of Lima culture ceremonies. Election Season Prep: Peru’s 2027 regional and municipal elections are approaching, with political activity already ramping up as candidates prepare for the next cycle. Public Safety Flash: A Peruvian lawyer was shot at close range in La Libertad, triggering a police probe amid viral claims of possible cartel links.

Emergency Response in Peru: President Keiko Fujimori says Peru will declare a state of emergency in districts and regions hit by heavy rains, with Defense Minister Rafael Belaunde heading to Arequipa and also covering Moquegua and Tacna, while Agrarian Development and Irrigation Minister Marco Vinelli leads the central zone response. Broadband for Public Services: Gilat Perú secured a $14 million Works for Taxes (OxI) contract with the Regional Government of Ayacucho to build fiber-optic broadband, targeting 273 public institutions (schools and health facilities) across 109 localities, with delivery expected in 18 months. Electoral Oversight: The EU Election Observation Mission says it has monitored Peru’s electoral process for the fifth time, highlighting its neutrality and non-interference and noting that Peruvian authorities and civil society view the mission as constructive. Peru’s International Security Posture: Peru is also linked to a wider regional push against illicit activity, including a Buenos Aires DEA conference focused on drug trafficking and money laundering coordination. Cultural Heritage Repatriation: Canada’s RCMP helped return a pre-Hispanic Nasca-style bowl to Peru after it was identified in a Montreal auction listing, with the artefact transferred to Peruvian consulate custody for repatriation.

Flood Emergency in Peru: President Keiko Fujimori declared an “emergency” affecting parts of Lima and eight regions after severe flooding disrupted traffic, overwhelmed drainage, damaged homes, and forced evacuations, with Villa El Salvador among the hardest-hit areas. Amazon Mining Alarm: The Apostolic Vicariate of Iquitos issued an urgent appeal to curb illegal mining in the Nanay River basin, warning that satellite-identified dredging sites have surged since 2025 and threaten drinking water for hundreds of thousands. Competition Watch: Peru’s Indecopi authorized Abra Group’s acquisition of Chile’s SKY Airline with conditions, focusing on how non-compete clauses could affect competition on key routes. Defense & Security: Russia acknowledged recruiting Peruvian nationals for its war in Ukraine, underscoring manpower pressures. Cultural Heritage: Peru received a 2,000-year-old pre-Hispanic Nasca-style bowl repatriated after RCMP helped recover it from a Montreal auction. Public Safety: Ecuador seized 469 kg of cocaine packaged with footballer Erling Haaland’s face as a visual marker, arresting a suspect near the Colombia border.

Peru Politics & Government: Peru’s justice system annulled the 15-year prison sentence of former first lady Nadine Heredia, a major legal reversal with political fallout. Disaster Preparedness: Peru rehearsed its response to a feared magnitude 8.8 quake off Lima and Callao, as officials push readiness after regional disasters. El Niño & Economy: Peru declared an emergency in 607 districts over water shortages tied to El Niño risk, while the Ministry of Production suspended anchovy extraction in the north-central zone—an early sign of how climate shocks can hit food supply and jobs. Security & Defense: Peru’s military-backed crackdown on illegal gold mining in an Amazon reserve continued, underscoring the government’s push to control extraction and protect protected areas. International Relations: Peru’s government declared Pope Leo XIV’s visit a matter of national interest, signaling a high-level diplomatic and security posture for the trip.

El Niño and Peru’s fisheries: NASA flagged a drop in eastern Pacific phytoplankton tied to El Niño, warning of knock-on effects for the marine food chain and fishing. In Peru, the Ministry of Production has already suspended anchovy extraction in the north-central zone, hitting fishmeal and fish oil supply. National heritage in Lima: The National Archaeological Museum is hosting the photo exhibition “The Great Inca Trail. Peru: Integration and Diversity,” marking the 205th anniversary of Peru’s independence and spotlighting the Qhapaq Ñan road network. Health policy update (Nebraska, not Peru): Nebraska’s legislature advanced multiple measures, including a bill creating licensure pathways for internationally trained physicians and another strengthening protections against financial exploitation of vulnerable seniors. Global quake response: Indonesia’s deadly 7.7 earthquake has triggered mass evacuations and aftershocks, with regional leaders sending condolences and emergency teams working to restore power and clear debris. Digital awards spotlight: Viettel was named the world’s most awarded organization at the 2026 International Business Awards, with Peru’s Bitel among top performers.

New Right in the Region: A fresh wave of right-wing, pro–law-and-order politics is reshaping Latin America’s map, with Colombia’s Abelardo de la Espriella (“El Tigre”) drawing comparisons to Bukele and Milei as he campaigns on “putting God back” in schools and a hardline security agenda. Peru Security & Justice: Peru’s military escalated action against illegal gold mining in the Amazon, including a major operation in Tambopata National Park that reportedly destroyed camps and questioned people tied to trafficking allegations. Disaster Preparedness: Peru held an 8.8 quake simulation drill after recent earthquakes in neighboring countries, with President Keiko Fujimori leading the exercise from Lima’s Plaza Mayor. Church & Diplomacy: The Vatican announced Pope Leo XIV’s first South America apostolic visit, including stops in Lima and other Peruvian cities. Regional Crisis Watch: Colombia’s earthquake recovery continues as rescuers report signs of life while rebuilding pressures mount. Culture & Sports: Lima hosted major judo action at the 2026 Grand Prix, with Peruvian fans filling Videna and international medals decided across multiple weight classes. Public Safety Incident: A Peruvian singer, Soraya Nieto, was attacked with a glass bottle during a performance in Ayacucho, suffering facial injuries.

Disaster Preparedness in Peru: President Keiko Fujimori led Peru’s second national multi-hazard drill, simulating an 8.8 quake off Lima and Callao, urging citizens to be ready with emergency supplies and clear school evacuation plans. Seismic Pressure Across the Region: In Colombia, rescuers reported possible signs of life at about 96 hours after a 7.4 earthquake, with teams from multiple countries extending searches as rebuilding pressure grows. Government Fuel Subsidy Protest Fallout: Protests in Peru forced Fujimori to subsidize transport fuel, highlighting how quickly policy can shift under public pressure. Water Crisis Emergency: Peru declared an emergency in 607 districts over water shortages, signaling urgent governance challenges for basic services. El Niño Risk: NOAA warns Latin America faces a 95% chance of very strong El Niño by late 2026, raising stakes for rainfall, farming, and food supply planning. International Diplomacy: Peru’s foreign ministers advanced steps to resume relations with Venezuela, while Fujimori held working meetings with the PM and foreign affairs leadership.

Fuel Subsidy Protest Response: President Keiko Fujimori announced a temporary 3-month fuel subsidy for freight and passenger transport operators, starting Saturday, to blunt the impact of a record fuel-price surge that sparked road blockades and unrest in Pucallpa and Ucayali. Disaster Preparedness: Peru also ran a national multi-hazard drill testing evacuation and response to a possible magnitude 8.8 quake off Lima and Callao, with alerts sent via SISMATE and mass evacuations led from Plaza de Armas. Pope Visit Logistics: The Council of Ministers declared Pope Leo XIV’s Nov. 11–17 apostolic visit a “matter of national interest,” enabling a special commission and fast-tracked coordination across Lima, Callao, Chiclayo, Cusco, and Pucallpa. Diplomacy: Peru’s Foreign Affairs chief held talks with Venezuela’s counterpart on progressively resuming bilateral relations, including reopening Peru’s Caracas consular mission on Sept. 1. Justice Update: A Peruvian court annulled the 15-year prison sentence and arrest warrant tied to former first lady Nadine Heredia, extending the effects of a prior constitutional ruling.

Peru–Vatican Logistics: Peru’s Council of Ministers declared Pope Leo XIV’s Nov. 11–17 visit a “matter of national interest,” setting up a high-level commission to coordinate Lima, Callao, Chiclayo, Cusco and Pucallpa and streamline customs for incoming goods. Defense Procurement: Peru plans a second batch of 12 F-16 Block 70 jets (total 24) after the first contract signed in April 2026, with Defense Minister Rafael Belaunde Llosa citing the need to secure funding and meet deterrence requirements. Amazon Security: The Peruvian military launched “Operation Mercury 2” against illegal gold mining in the Amazon, burning camps and detaining/questioning people tied to trafficking allegations. Justice & Corruption: Peru’s justice system annulled a trial against Nadine Heredia and overturned a conviction, while the Madlanga commission in South Africa heard claims of a “scheme” to link Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola to a businessman via device searches. Regional Security: The U.S. is expanding its “Shield of the Americas” anti-cartel coalition; Colombia authorized extraditions tied to drug trafficking and sexual assault cases. International Spotlight: Peru’s specialty coffee sector is getting a new harvest guide aimed at boosting global visibility for producers.

El Niño Emergency: Peru declared a state of emergency in 607 districts over “very high risk” from El Niño-linked heat and rain, with the government pushing local action to protect food security as President Keiko Fujimori moves to set up a special commission. Peru-US-China Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Carlos Espá met the U.S. ambassador to expand security, defense, and anti–organized crime cooperation under the “Shield of the Americas,” and also met China’s ambassador to discuss support for El Niño prevention and recovery. Madlanga Commission Fallout: IDAC prosecutor Drushanta Ramsamy is set to return to the Madlanga Commission after alleging suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu shared a confidential inspectorate report, raising new questions about political influence in police targeting. Public Safety Under Strain: In Peru’s Amazon, a patient died after ambulance delays during fuel-price protest road blockades in Pucallpa, prompting calls to respect free transit for emergency units. Trade Pressure on Peru: A White House report flags Peru among countries at elevated risk of “shadow transshipment” used to route Chinese goods through third countries to dodge U.S. tariffs. Tourism Pitch: A proposal says Pope Leo XIV’s Peru visit could be turned into a connected pilgrimage route—shifting tourism from single stops to multi-city travel that benefits more communities.

Water Crisis Response: Peru declared a 60-day state of emergency in 607 districts across 16 regions over an imminent risk of water shortages, with emergency measures coordinated by Indeci and ministries to protect agriculture, livestock, and public welfare amid El Niño-linked river-flow and reservoir declines. Security & Crime Cooperation: Peru announced an FBI partnership aimed at boosting technology, training, and specialized investigations against transnational criminal networks—while officials and timing around the agreement sparked questions. Organized Crime Tactics: A new Peruvian study says illegal used-clothing trafficking is tied to broader illicit networks, using borders, document fraud, and digital platforms to move goods inside the country. International Anti-Drug Push: The U.S. plans “ground” attacks against drug traffickers in Latin America, with Colombia joining the “Shield of the Americas” coalition and authorizing joint operations. Catholic Diplomacy: Peru’s immigration archives reportedly show Pope Leo XIV (Robert Francis Prevost) sought Peruvian citizenship with a stated desire to remain in Peru, ahead of his November visit. Local Economy & Infrastructure: Lima Airport opened a new domestic departures lounge at Jorge Chávez, while Peru also highlighted port modernization and DP World investment momentum.

Airport & Tourism: Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport opened a new domestic departure lounge, adding work-friendly and family amenities and leaning on an Amazon-inspired design as domestic travel keeps driving growth. Security & Diplomacy: Peru’s National Police confirmed an FBI-PNP agreement signed months ago to target transnational crime, with Interior Minister César Astudillo set to meet the U.S. ambassador to coordinate new strategies against foreign gangs. Catholic Affairs: Peru’s government declared Pope Leo XIV’s visit of national interest and set up a high-level commission to organize logistics, projecting hundreds of thousands of attendees across major cities. Regional Crisis Watch: Colombia’s earthquake response is entering a critical final phase as officials say rescue chances fade after the 72-hour window, while the country faces controversy over delayed international aid. Business & Retail: Fabletics announced plans to triple its global footprint in 2026, with new stores including Peru among its expansion targets. Energy Access: A Peru workshop highlighted how solar and micro-hydro can power rural livelihoods across the Andes and Amazon—electricity alone isn’t enough without local support.