AGP Executive Report

El Niño Response: Peru declared a state of emergency in 893 districts across 23 regions for 60 days as heavy rains and flooding risks rise, with authorities pushing evacuations, infrastructure checks, and humanitarian stockpiles. New President on the Clock: President Keiko Fujimori is already touring Piura and coordinating prevention measures, warning local capacity may be overwhelmed by the scale of the threat. Environment Ministry Shake-up: Vladimiro Huaroc, newly named environment minister, says he’ll balance economic development with environmental protection, though advocates are watching closely. Local Economy Support: Lima launched a survey to gather input from small businesses on barriers and needed resources, aiming to shape an incubator and growth strategy. Culture Goes Viral: An AP report spotlights “aura farming,” a video-game-inspired youth trend spreading in Lima and across Latin America—turning online “aura battles” into real-world dance showdowns.

Diplomacy Shock: Peru severed diplomatic ties with Iran, accusing Tehran of escalating conflict and disrupting maritime transit in the Strait of Hormuz, while saying consular relations won’t be terminated. El Niño Watch: Peru’s government is pushing El Niño prevention and has renewed a state of emergency in hundreds of districts as heavy rain risks intensify. Health Under Pressure: A deepening health crisis among the recently contacted Matsés in Peru’s Amazon highlights how drought and disease outbreaks can become deadly without state support. Tourism Push: Peru’s tourism ministry says tourism could reach 3.7% of GDP in 2026, but stresses the need for better connectivity and infrastructure to turn demand into a stronger product. Regional Security Context: The U.S. says its anti-cartel maritime campaign will continue through the end of the term, framing it as driving down illicit activity across the region. Sports & Culture: Ricardo Gareca spoke on Peru football and his future plans, while a Lima club’s creative “1,000 sponsor squares” jersey model shows how Peruvian teams are adapting to financial strain.

Diplomacy Shock: Peru’s government, led by President Keiko Fujimori, announced it is breaking diplomatic relations with Iran, citing democratic “deterioration,” repression of protests, press restrictions, discrimination against women and girls, and persecution of opponents, while also warning that disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz could hit energy prices and global supply chains; Peru says consular ties will remain to protect nationals under Vienna conventions. Security & Regional Tensions: The move lands as the Iran–US standoff escalates, with reports of fresh U.S. strikes near Hormuz and Iran retaliation claims, keeping shipping and energy risks front and center. Climate Risk in the Andes: Scientists warn that rapidly melting glaciers are creating unstable glacial lakes across the Andes, raising the risk of deadly glacial lake outburst floods similar to Nepal’s. El Niño Pressure on Peru’s Economy: Peru’s fishing industry is bracing for El Niño impacts, with officials warning of unemployment risk as anchovy conditions worsen. International Spotlight for Peru: Peru has nominated a former foreign minister to lead the ILO, as the UN labor agency faces a budget crunch and a high-stakes leadership race.

ILO Leadership Race: Peru’s Javier González-Olaechea is now one of three candidates for ILO director-general, challenging incumbent Gilbert Houngbo and Spain’s Yolanda Díaz, with the election set for Nov. 16. Peru Defense Industry: Lockheed Martin pitched Peru a $1.8bn package tied to an F-16 Block 70 bid, including unmanned aircraft co-production, training, and a space academy curriculum. Peru Economy & Jobs: El Niño is hammering Peru’s anchovy catch, with May landings far below last year’s levels and industry warning of a looming unemployment crisis. Peru Politics: Fujimori is seeking legislative powers from Congress via a 120-day authority push, as the country braces for a tougher political phase. Mining Watch (Peru): Pecoy Copper reported new drill results from its southern Peru project, including a broad South Breccia intercept with copper-gold-silver grades. Business in Peru: Cellgenic says it has started commercial activity in Peru through local arrangements, expanding its Latin America network. Regional Context: Thailand will cut visa-free tourist stays to 30 days from Sept. 15, while Peru gets 90-day visa-free access.

Trujillo Kidnapping Update: Peru’s President Keiko Fujimori says a mining businessman kidnapped in Trujillo has been released, while four alleged perpetrators were arrested after criminals disguised as police killed four companions during the attack. Security & Governance: The same Trujillo case has triggered renewed focus on police operations and ministerial coordination as authorities push back on “no truce to crime” messaging. Culture & Heritage: Archaeologists at Kuélap in northern Peru uncovered small stone illas linked to fertility, reproduction and ritual protection, offering fresh clues on how Inca-era religious practices blended with local traditions. Archaeology Spotlight: New LiDAR-based findings at Machu Picchu’s Mandor Wall suggest a 2.5-kilometer Inca trail tied to a sacred mountain and ritual use. El Niño Watch: Peru is among the countries facing knock-on effects as El Niño intensifies, with broader regional impacts already showing up in water and weather systems. Church Expansion in the Amazon: Groundbreaking is set for the Iquitos Peru Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, marking a major milestone for the church in northern Peru.

International Labour Organization: Peru has entered the race to lead the UN’s ILO, nominating former foreign minister Javier Gonzalez-Olaechea as the agency faces a funding shortfall that could mean job cuts. Security in Peru: Peru opened an investigation into the kidnapping of a mining businessman in Trujillo and the killing of four companions, after attackers allegedly used a fake police checkpoint. Disaster preparedness: Peru’s IGP chief and earthquake specialists urged residents to prepare for a major quake, pointing to the Pacific Ring of Fire and recent regional tremors. Climate pressure: El Niño is intensifying and linked to extreme impacts; separate reporting notes Peru is bracing for rising risks while Panama has cut canal transits due to drought. Economy & jobs: Peru’s government is pushing legislative powers to tackle the security crisis, while separate coverage highlights Peru’s economic outlook and domestic demand growth. Sports (Lima): Venezuela’s U20 beach soccer team made history in Lima, taking third after a 4-3 win over Colombia.

Security & Governance: Peru’s President Fujimori renewed the push for legislative powers, with the Council of Ministers weighing a delegation bill as the government seeks tools to tackle a worsening security crisis. Public Safety & Emergency Measures: Peru also renewed a state of emergency in Lima and Callao for 60 days, signaling continued pressure on local policing and crisis response. Economy Watch: Peru’s finance outlook stayed in focus as the MEF raised growth forecasts for 2026–2027 and projected a narrowing fiscal deficit. Disaster Risk & Climate: El Niño impacts remained a theme, with authorities warning of heightened risks in Peru as warming conditions intensify. Regional Cooperation: Peru joined a strategic minerals declaration with Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia, aiming to reshape supply chains around critical resources. Culture & Heritage: Peru’s Santa Rosa de Lima continued to resonate across borders, including Paraguay’s Police Day celebrations tying the Peruvian saint to national police tradition.

Legislative Push for Security: Peru’s government is seeking expanded legislative powers to tackle the security crisis, as President Fujimori moves to secure authority by decree and renews the state of emergency in Lima and Callao for 60 days. Health & Infrastructure Gaps: The Health Ministry and the U.S. Embassy are teaming up to strengthen healthcare services, while officials also highlight ongoing efforts to close sanitation and health gaps in Tacna. El Niño Fallout: Authorities warn El Niño could put 1.2 million people at risk in Peru, with flooding and landslides driving the urgency behind disaster-prevention funding. Mining & Investment: Peru remains in the spotlight for mining capital, including major regional deals that link zinc and silver assets across Brazil and Peru. Culture & Community: A new film project returns to Lima to explore family healing and the immigrant experience, while Peru’s Santa Rosa de Lima legacy continues to resonate across Latin America.

Security & Emergency Powers: Peru’s President Keiko Fujimori has asked Congress for 120 days of legislative powers to tackle the country’s worst security crisis, including a proposal to classify criminal groups as terrorist organizations. Local Governance: Peru also renewed a state of emergency in Lima and Callao for 60 days as gangs and extortion continue to drive violence. Public Safety & Health: The government says it’s moving to strengthen public security with new cooperation efforts, including meetings with CAF focused on security support. Environment & Coastal Protection: International groups are pressing Peru’s DENR counterparts to rethink mangrove “earth-balling” rules, warning the practice undermines nature-based coastal defenses. Economy & Trade: Peru’s fiscal outlook remains in focus as MEF forecasts aim for a smaller deficit and continued growth, while investors watch how security costs could affect business. Culture & Business: Brasa is rebranding as ¡BRASA! Peruvian Superfoods, signaling a push to export Peru’s food identity beyond restaurants.

Emergency Powers in Lima & Callao: Peru renewed a 60-day state of emergency in Lima and Callao, suspending key constitutional rights and allowing police interventions with Armed Forces support to target alleged organized-crime “mafias” tied to contract killings and extortion. Legislative Push by Keiko Fujimori: Fujimori asked Parliament for 120 days of delegated legislative powers, focusing on security, prisons, taxes, and labor— including changes to how criminal groups can be labeled “terrorists” and a major penitentiary overhaul. Peru-U.S. Space Cooperation: Peru and the U.S. launched a bilateral initiative to strengthen space cooperation, aiming to apply space science to disaster risk management, agriculture, anti-illicit crops work, and deforestation mitigation. Strategic Minerals Pact: Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru signed a declaration to boost regional cooperation on strategic minerals like copper and lithium, setting up working groups and seeking support for joint research and supply-chain coordination. El Niño Pressure on Peru’s Economy: Coverage highlights El Niño’s knock-on effects, including impacts on anchovy catches that ripple into global food and feed markets—an indirect but important signal for Peru’s wider economic exposure.

Security Crackdown in Lima/Callao: Peru renewed its state of emergency for 60 days, suspending key constitutional rights and allowing police to act with Armed Forces support against alleged organized-crime groups. Fujimori Seeks Fast-Track Lawmaking: President Keiko Fujimori asked Congress for 120 days of decree power, aiming to overhaul security, prisons, taxes, and labor rules— including a framework to label criminal groups as terrorists. Strategic Minerals Pact: Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru signed a declaration to coordinate on copper and lithium, set up working groups, and push responsible investment and supply-chain cooperation. Tren de Aragua Hit: Colombian forces captured a suspected senior Tren de Aragua leader tied to operations across Peru and the region as U.S.-Colombia anti-trafficking ties deepen. Education Strain: Cuba begins the school year amid shortages and power disruptions, while Peru’s own education challenges show up in teacher gaps in Camagüey. Science & Heritage: Researchers say Nasca’s spiral puquios were sophisticated water systems, using satellite mapping to explain how the ancient society managed drought.

Mango Season Watch: Peru is gearing up for the 2026–27 Kent mango campaign as El Niño and weaker-than-expected flowering threaten normal yields, with Promango warning that higher minimum temperatures disrupted flowering and could push costs and volumes off track. Archaeology in Machu Picchu: Using LiDAR, researchers have mapped over 2.5 km of hidden pre-Hispanic roads and annexed structures near the Mandor wall, adding new clues about Inca territorial planning. Health & Diplomacy: Peru’s Health Ministry and the U.S. Embassy are teaming up to strengthen healthcare services, while Peru’s president also met with the National Agreement commission to shape the next session agenda. Economy Forecast: MEF raised Peru’s 2026–27 growth outlook to 3.4% for 2026 and 2027, signaling a slightly brighter macro picture. Trade Dependence: The EU’s rising avocado demand is increasingly anchored on imports, with Peru the biggest supplier—highlighting how Peru’s farm output feeds European food markets.

Peru Politics & Security: Peru’s new president, Keiko Fujimori, is being framed as a potential key U.S. ally against drug cartels and Chinese influence, with analysts pointing to possible closer cooperation on Washington’s “Shield of the Americas” initiative and law-enforcement coordination. Human Rights & Justice: Ukraine’s intelligence service says Russia is using a familiar recruitment scheme to enlist foreign nationals, including at least eight Indonesians promised cash, jobs, fast citizenship, and benefits—often sent straight to the front with little training. El Niño & Climate Impact: Peru’s Senamhi warns Amazon river levels in Loreto are dropping faster than normal, threatening to isolate riverside communities and disrupt transport weeks early. Archaeology & Culture: At Peru’s Vichama site, researchers report new serpent-related finds tied to how Caral-era society may have responded to major climate disruption. Education & Society (Regional): Cuba is preparing to reopen schools on Sept. 1 despite shortages and a teacher-coverage drop, with officials stressing flexibility and individualized support.

El Niño Watch in Peru: Peru’s Civil Defense says El Niño could affect about 1.2 million people, with 536 “critical points” flagged and emergency measures already in place as coastal rains and southern drought risks rise. PUCP Campus Tensions: Peru’s Pontifical Catholic University (PUCP) student federation says disciplinary proceedings against students after protests and a tuition-scale dispute clash with an earlier agreement reached with authorities. Ancient Peru, Water Memory: New Caral-linked findings at Vichama describe serpent symbols carved in bone and antler as a ritual map of how communities survived drought. Mining Push: Energy and Mines Minister Guillermo Shinno says Peru could attract up to US$40 billion in mining investment over five years, aiming to speed up permits and reduce delays while improving how benefits reach local communities. Caral Research with China: Peru and China plan a new archaeological research effort tied to the Caral civilization.

Archaeology in Lima: Lima has opened the excavated Hospital of the Holy Spirit beneath Santa Rosa de Lima’s sanctuary, revealing colonial walls, burials, and a six-petaled entrance detail tied to the saint’s legacy. Port Decarbonization: DP World launched Latin America’s first shore power system at the Port of Callao, letting ships plug into renewable electricity at berth and cutting major emissions from auxiliary engines. Cultural Tourism Push: PROMPERÚ hosted an Australia breakfast in Sydney to encourage travel beyond Peru’s icons, spotlighting lesser-known destinations and connectivity. International Cooperation: Ghana and Peru discussed a parliamentary friendship group plus collaboration on technology transfer, mining, and agriculture, including cocoa and fish farming. Mining & Trade: South Carolina Ports added a new weekly service capacity via Charleston to reach South American markets including Peru, boosting cold-chain access. Local Economy: Peru’s Red Lobster confirmed it will close permanently on Sept. 6. Sports (Peru link): Ignacio Buse of Peru advanced at the Winston-Salem Open.

Peru Earthquake Aftermath: A 6.7-magnitude quake in southern Peru triggered false social posts claiming footage from the tremor; AFP says the viral clip was filmed in Colombia instead, as Peru reported damage to homes, schools and medical centers while assessments continue. Indigenous Rights Under Pressure: Ashéninka leader Américo Pascuala Tumisha was shot and killed while patrolling Indigenous territory in Ucayali after reports of unauthorized copaiba extraction, adding to Peru’s grim tally of killings of environmental and land defenders. Mining Watch: Rio2 won key Peruvian environmental approval to expand its Condestable underground copper mine, boosting throughput and extending mine life, while also authorizing a new dry-stack tailings facility. Archaeology in Lima: Excavations at Huaca Pucllana uncovered human remains near the site, adding to Peru’s growing record of ancient burials and funerary practices. Diplomacy & Security: Peru’s President met with CAF to announce cooperation aimed at strengthening public security, as the government also moves on plans tied to its broader political and institutional agenda.