AGP Executive Report

Peru-Russia War Fallout: Peru’s Foreign Ministry confirmed 459 Peruvians enlisted to fight for Russia in Ukraine; officials say 11 were killed, 114 are missing, and 3 were captured, while four have been repatriated after reporting forced recruitment. Security & Organized Crime: A new regional study says Latin America’s biggest criminal groups now diversify into legal businesses and local politics, making them harder to disrupt. Amazon Illegal Mining Crackdown: Peru’s Environment Ministry says it will strengthen the fight against illegal gold mining in the Amazon, targeting the logistics routes that feed mines. Public Health: PAHO warned measles is at a 22-year high across the Americas, with Peru among the countries driving the surge. El Niño Impacts: Port authorities and scientists warn stronger El Niño conditions are disrupting Pacific shipping and marine ecosystems, with Peru already seeing anomalous swells and closures. Regional Drug Trade: Reports highlight ketamine trafficking expanding across Latin America, including cases involving shipments from Peru to Chile.

War & Consular Updates: Peru’s Foreign Ministry says 11 Peruvians fighting with Russia in the Ukraine war have been killed, 114 are missing, and 3 were captured; officials also report 31 have been evacuated from Russia, with 28 back in Peru and 3 choosing to remain in Europe, while warning families about fake job offers and urging reports to prosecutors and police. Security & Order: President Keiko Fujimori says her government will apply “great firmness” to restore order, backing police operations against crime and promising improvements to police stations. Politics & Public Opinion: A poll cited in coverage puts Fujimori’s approval at about 60% as she begins her term. International Politics: Coverage highlights how Donald Trump is shaping Latin American elections through endorsements and pressure tactics, with regional leaders and allies in focus. Sports & National Pride: Nigeria’s Eniola Bolaji won gold at the 2026 Peru Para Badminton International in Lima, winning all matches in straight sets. Culture & Heritage: Archaeologists using airborne laser scanning report hundreds of Amazon geoglyphs, pointing to a “lost civilisation” nearly 2,000 years old.

Keiko Fujimori Approval: A Datum Internacional poll finds Peru’s President Keiko Fujimori starting her term with 60% approval, 24% disapproval, after her July 28 inauguration following a razor-thin June runoff. Drug Policy Shock: Declassified UK files claim Margaret Thatcher approved a £100,000 plan to “bomb” Peru’s cocaine crop using weaponized moths that target coca plants—an idea that reportedly never fully took off. Regional Security Watch: Ecuador prosecutors have charged former interior minister José Serrano and six others over the 2023 assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio, linking suspects to cartel Los Lobos. Diplomacy Reset: Peru and Mexico moved to restore diplomatic relations after a months-long asylum-related rupture. Sports & Culture: Nigeria’s Eniola Bolaji won gold at the Peru Para Badminton International 2026; separately, Peru’s political scene also drew attention from international coverage of the new administration’s early moves.

Road Safety: A minivan crash in Peru’s southern Cusco region killed 9 and injured 6 early Saturday, with authorities investigating near the Pulpera Bridge in Espinar. Illegal Mining Crackdown: Peru’s illegal mining surge hit $3,355 million (Oct 2024–Oct 2025), with the Amazon facing deforestation, mercury pollution, and pressure on indigenous communities across Loreto, Ucayali, and Madre de Dios. Public Health: PAHO issued a measles vaccination alert across the Americas as cases have tripled since last year; Peru is among the countries carrying most of the burden. El Niño Food Prices: Peru’s blueberry harvest faces El Niño risks that could disrupt yields and exports, with knock-on effects for other Peruvian crops and broader food prices. Diplomacy: Peru and Mexico moved to restore relations after an asylum-related rift, signaling a fresh start for bilateral ties. International Security: The U.S. pledged $1bn to Colombia as the new right-wing president vowed an aggressive drugs crackdown and austerity.

Road Safety in Peru: A minivan crash in southern Peru’s Cusco region killed 9 people and injured 6 early Saturday, with authorities temporarily suspending traffic near Pulpera Bridge in Espinar while they investigate causes. Public Health: PAHO issued a measles vaccination alert across the Americas as cases have surged to the highest level in over two decades, with Peru among the countries carrying most of the confirmed burden. Economy & Food Prices: El Niño risks are expected to hit Peru’s blueberry harvest during the rainy season, threatening yields and export costs and potentially pushing up prices abroad. Diplomacy: Peru and Mexico moved to restore diplomatic relations after months of tension tied to an asylum dispute. International Spotlight on Peru: A Peruvian ambassador in Canada was named a “Distinguished Fellow” by the Peruvian Canadian Institute, highlighting Peru’s ties with diaspora and academic networks.

Diplomacy Reset: Peru and Mexico have restored diplomatic relations after a four-year rupture tied to Mexico’s asylum for former Peruvian PM Betssy Chávez; the deal follows safe-conduct allowing Chávez to leave Peru, while Lima says it still reserves the right to seek extradition. Amazon Security: Peru’s Environment Minister Vladimiro Huaroc reaffirmed the Fujimori government’s push to fight illegal mining in the Amazon, highlighting joint patrol work around the Nanay River basin in Loreto. Regional Politics: Colombia’s new right-wing president Abelardo de la Espriella was sworn in pledging a hardline crackdown on armed groups and austerity, signaling a broader rightward shift across Latin America. Defense Cooperation: India says it has initiated efforts to co-join France-led sixth-generation fighter program FCAS, with a parliamentary panel urging a roadmap and faster planning. Food & Security Flashpoint: The US suspended operations in Mexico’s Michoacán avocado region, prompting troop deployment to protect USDA inspectors and raising supply concerns. Church Accountability: Pope Leo XIV will meet clergy abuse survivors during a France trip next month, with victims involved in preparations.

Diplomatic Reset: Peru and Mexico have restored full diplomatic relations after a more than three-year rupture tied to asylum for former Peruvian prime minister Betssy Chávez, with Peru granting safe-conduct under the 1954 Caracas Convention while stressing it does not block any future extradition request. Foreign Policy & Rule of Law: Peru’s Foreign Ministry said there is “no political persecution,” pointing to due process and separation of powers as Chávez faces ongoing legal scrutiny. Defense Modernization Watch: India’s parliamentary panel says the Ministry of Defence has started efforts to join a sixth-generation fighter aircraft development programme, seeking a roadmap for acquisition and a planning timeline. Regional Politics: Colombia’s new conservative president Abelardo de la Espriella is set to take office under heavy security, promising tougher action against rebel groups and tighter state control. Church & Politics: Pope Leo XIV’s first South America tour is framed by Argentine Catholics as a sign of hope amid Milei-era economic strain, while Vatican plans also include meetings with clergy abuse survivors in France. Peru Spotlight in Culture: Peru’s Machu Picchu is cited as the “most magical” destination in a global travel ranking, underscoring the country’s tourism pull even as safety and capacity remain recurring concerns.

Peru Politics & Governance: Peru’s newly sworn-in President Keiko Fujimori marked the one-year countdown to the Lima 2027 Pan American and Parapan American Games, pressing the start button at Plaza de Armas with Simone Biles and other officials, as organizers said remaining logistics and infrastructure work are on track. Anti-Corruption Showdown: In South Africa’s Madlanga Commission, IDAC investigators’ admissions about “Project Diversion” and rule-breaking have intensified calls over whether the Investigative Directorate Against Corruption should be dismantled. Civil Society Under Pressure: Peru’s anti-foreign-funding NGO and media vetting law (Law No. 32301) is being challenged in court by investigative outlets, after Lima rulings struck down parts of the most restrictive provisions. El Niño Preparedness: Peru’s government is coordinating actions against El Niño impacts, including prevention measures and funding for works in Piura. Culture & Indigenous Rights: UNESCO highlights Peru’s progress in recovering and restituting cultural property, while Peru and partners back language revitalization for Amazonian Taushiro and other communities in Loreto. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Ecuador and Argentina signed cyberdefense and extradition cooperation deals, signaling tighter cross-border enforcement.

Peru Security & Crime: Peru’s government says the Armed Forces will be deployed on streets and in transport as part of a broader push against crime, while officials also coordinate actions tied to Pope Leo XIV’s upcoming visit. Papal Diplomacy: Vatican confirmed Pope Leo XIV’s first South America trip for Nov. 6–17, including stops in Lima, Chiclayo, Cusco and Pucallpa—setting up major logistics and security planning across Peru. El Niño Preparedness: Peru’s president led Council of Ministers coordination against El Niño impacts, announcing geogrids and dikes to reduce landslide risk and desilting works in Piura. Economy & Trade: Peru’s exports rose 34% in the first half of 2026, topping US$54 billion, led by mining (especially copper and gold) and supported by growth in MSME exporters. Tourism Safety: Peru continues to assess fallout from a Nazca Lines tourist plane crash that killed 13, with aviation oversight and emergency response under scrutiny. Regional Security Exercise: PANAMAX 2026 is underway, bringing air component planning together across multiple countries to strengthen security around the Panama Canal.

El Niño Preparedness: Peru’s President Fujimori pushed coordination through the Council of Ministers and announced geogrids and dikes to prevent El Niño landslides, as authorities also moved to desilt works in Piura and urged care for elderly and children ahead of the season. Church Diplomacy: Pope Leo XIV’s first South American trip is confirmed for Nov. 6–17, with Peru stops in Lima, Chiclayo, Cusco and Pucallpa—Vatican details and city-by-city scheduling are now emerging. Security & Governance: Peru’s President met the Foreign Affairs Minister to coordinate actions for the Pope’s visit, while separate coverage highlights broader government efforts to deploy the Armed Forces in key areas and transport systems amid crime concerns. Environment & Accountability: A Peruvian pollution case reportedly reached a $150m settlement for 1,300 people, with a Peruvian cardinal calling it a historic milestone. Regional Politics: Coverage also flags Latin America’s rightward shift and tensions among neighbors, including Brazil downgrading ties with Argentina after sharp attacks by President Milei.

Vatican Diplomacy: Pope Leo XIV confirmed his first Latin America trip as pontiff, running Nov. 6–17 with stops in Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru—including Lima, Chiclayo, Cusco, and Pucallpa—a homecoming tied to his years as missionary and bishop in Peru. Peru Politics & Institutions: Peru’s government and judiciary-related updates continue to frame the country’s political calendar, including renewed emphasis on the independence of the judiciary under President Keiko Fujimori. Security Cooperation: The U.S. Southern Command announced a Western Hemisphere Joint Task Force with 18 partner countries to target transnational organized crime and coordinate regional security responses. Business & Investment in Peru: Coca-Cola Peru and bottler Arca Continental Lindley plan $865.6 million in Peru over five years, including water and sewage infrastructure in Pucusana and support tied to Coastal El Niño. Legal/Accountability Debate: Commentary on anticorruption drives highlights how accountability can energize movements but also complicate political strategy.

Peru Politics & Justice: Keiko Fujimori’s return to power is reigniting a long-running human rights fight over Peru’s 1996–2000 forced sterilisation program, with survivors and advocates warning the scandal could remain unresolved as the new administration takes office. Public Safety & Tourism: A forest fire near Machu Picchu forced the temporary suspension of train service to the Inca citadel after rocks fell onto the tracks, prompting Peru’s tourism ministry to stress passenger safety and emergency evacuation plans. Regional Security & Environment: Operation Green Shield 2026—run across five Amazon countries including Peru—netted 839 arrests and seized illegal timber, minerals and equipment, while rescuing thousands of live animals and recovering hundreds of dead ones tied to wildlife trafficking. Diplomacy & Development: Former Peruvian ambassador Juan Carlos Capunay says China-Peru ties have deepened through investment and infrastructure, highlighting the Chancay megaport’s role in jobs and export links to Asia. Governance Watch: Peru’s judiciary reaffirmed its independence and moved on high-profile cases, including a suspended prison sentence for Cesar Acuña.

El Niño & Public Security: Peru’s new President Keiko Fujimori took office and declared a national emergency focused on organized crime and El Niño risks, promising emergency logistics, river desilting, watershed protection, and support for affected farmers. Migration Control: Peru began issuing a biometric Carné de Extranjería with face and fingerprint data linked in real time to police systems, starting with a pilot for foreign minors in Lima to curb forged documents and irregular status. Amazon Enforcement: Operation Green Shield 2026—coordinated across five Amazon countries and led by the UAE—netted 839 arrests and seized over $280M in illegal-mining and logging assets, including large timber and mineral hauls. Crime & Justice Abroad: Two suspects were arrested in Peru in connection with the drugging and murder of a Dallas-based American Airlines flight attendant in Colombia, with extradition pending. Sports Diplomacy: U.S. Soccer set fall friendlies including Peru on Sept. 26 in Orlando, as Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT contract extension through 2030 takes effect.

Peru Security & Governance: President Keiko Fujimori said Peru will coordinate desilting work to mitigate El Niño impacts, starting with Piura and targeting 60 critical sites, while also outlining a citizen security plan combining Armed Forces and the National Police. Foreign Policy: Peru marked the 205th anniversary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lima, stressing consular protection and Peru’s long-running diplomatic role. Justice & Humanitarian Relief: Ex-president Alejandro Toledo urged Fujimori to speed up his presidential pardon request, citing cancer, heart issues, and bleeding; Fujimori said it will be reviewed through technical/medical and humanitarian analysis once the pardon commission is in place. Regional Politics: Peru’s role in a UAE-led Operation Green Shield 2026 was highlighted, with Peru among partner countries targeting environmental crimes in the Amazon Basin. International Spotlight: Japan published the official list of countries eligible for its 2026 Digital Nomad Visa, including Peru.

Peru Aviation & Tourism Safety: Peru’s Nazca Lines sightseeing crash that killed 13 has shifted from shock to scrutiny, with officials saying a mechanical emergency may have preceded the fall and that investigators are working toward preliminary findings in about a month. Public Security & Military on the Streets: Peru’s president has reiterated plans to deploy armed forces to support anti-crime operations, including street presence and border support. Governance & Foreign Policy: Peru’s new foreign minister signals stronger ties with the United States as President Keiko Fujimori takes office, while Peru also moves to restore dialogue with Colombia and Mexico. Anti-Corruption & Institutions: Peru’s political transition continues alongside broader regional governance debates, including renewed pressure on oversight bodies and legal battles tied to state integrity. Regional Security Cooperation: Panama’s PANAMAX 2026 exercise (Aug. 3–13) will include Peru and co-lead ground operations, underscoring Peru’s role in coalition security drills.

Nazca Lines Tragedy: Peru is investigating the crash of a small Aerodiana sightseeing plane near the Nazca Lines that killed all 13 aboard, including 7 Italians, 2 Germans, 2 Spaniards, and 2 Peruvian crew. Authorities say the pilot reported mechanical problems before contact was lost, and they’re considering DNA testing because of the condition of recovered remains. Aviation Oversight: Peru’s Transportation Ministry says it may temporarily suspend airport operations while it reviews permits and flight compliance, after flights were reportedly grounded the day before due to strong winds and reduced visibility. Security & Governance: With President Keiko Fujimori recently taking office, reporting highlights a push to expand Armed Forces support in internal security and to seek legislative powers to speed up responses to crime. Regional Politics Watch: Brazil’s Lula formally launched his reelection bid at 80, framing the campaign around sovereignty amid rising external pressure and tariff threats.