AGP Executive Report

Education Reform in Peru: President Keiko Fujimori unveiled a national school curriculum update aimed at removing “ideology,” including how schools teach Peru’s 1980–2000 violence, alongside a push for stronger reading, writing, math, science, civic education, English, and financial education. US-Peru Diplomacy: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrapped up a South America tour that included Peru, framing the region as a key partner in counterdrug and security cooperation. Peru’s Senate and BCR: Peru’s Senate approved a report ratifying Julio Velarde as BCR governor, keeping monetary leadership in focus. Mining and Energy Watch: American Lithium says its Falchani lithium pilot plant in Peru is fully commissioned and operating, reporting average extraction rates of 88.7%. Tech and Finance in Peru: ReLeaf Financial and Inspira Te ilumina announced integration of “Proof of Intent” to record human authorization for sensitive digital financial actions for Peru’s large user base. Business/Mining Deals: Boliden agreed to buy Votorantim’s controlling stake in Nexa Resources, expanding its footprint into Peru and Brazil.

Peru Heritage & Culture: Peru’s Ministry of Culture says archaeologists finished a 90-day conservation and research project at Marcahuamachuco in La Libertad, recovering human remains, animal bones, pottery fragments and worked stone that may clarify how northern highland communities used the site. US-Peru Security & Drug Policy: Washington’s annual drug determinations keep Peru on the FY27 list of major drug transit/illicit drug-producing countries, while also removing Venezuela from the “failed demonstrably” category—citing cooperation with Caracas’ interim government and operations against cartel networks. Lima Historic Centre: Prolima reports Lima’s Molino de Aliaga—an early colonial mill uncovered in 2020—will open to visitors in January after conservation work. Sports (USMNT vs Peru): USMNT friendlies roster news points to Cavan Sullivan’s first call-up, with Peru among the opponents in the late-September window.

US–Peru Security Shift: The Trump administration is redirecting $52 million in U.S. military financing away from parts of Europe and the Middle East to Panama, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia, framing it as a push against “narcoterrorism” and to protect the Panama Canal. Diplomacy & Regional Alignment: The move follows Marco Rubio’s South America trip and signals Washington’s tighter alignment with conservative governments in the hemisphere. Peru in the Spotlight: Peru is also named in the broader aid reprogramming list, alongside Colombia and Ecuador, as the administration prioritizes Western Hemisphere security. Health Access in Latin America: Gilead and PAHO signed an agreement to speed access to twice-yearly lenacapavir for HIV prevention (PrEP) across PAHO member states, including Peru. Environment & Rights Pressure: A Global Witness report says land and environmental defenders are still being killed at alarming rates, with Latin America accounting for 85% of 2025 deaths.

U.S.-Peru Security Shift: The Trump administration will reallocate $52 million in foreign military financing from Europe and the Middle East to Panama, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia, citing “narcoterrorism” and security needs tied to the region. Peru’s Policy Agenda: Peru’s government is pushing major education reforms and infrastructure upgrades, including plans to build 2,000 schools and refurbish 3,000 more, as officials outline a National Education Plan for 2026–2031. Machu Picchu Ticketing: Peru will no longer allow advance bookings on the Machu Picchu digital ticketing system, a move that could reshape how visitors plan trips. Amazon Environment & Politics: Analysts warn right-wing leadership could expand mining and agribusiness across much of the Amazon by 2027, raising risks for conservation and Indigenous communities—Peru is cited among countries already moving in that direction. Regional Human Rights: A report says Latin America accounted for 85% of environmental defender killings in 2025, with Colombia and Brazil the deadliest.

Peru-U.S.-China Balancing Act: Peru’s right-wing government is moving closer to Washington by joining the “Shield of the Americas” anti-cartel coalition, while insisting it won’t abandon ties with Beijing—an effort framed as protecting sovereignty from drug groups. Regional Security & Diplomacy: The Shield is described as lacking permanent institutions, with operations run from U.S. Southern Command, as Peru’s leadership weighs how much military cooperation to accept. Peru-China Development Debate: Former Prime Minister Javier Velásquez tells a global audience that China’s model should be judged through development outcomes—food, housing, health, and jobs—not only political rights. Peru Trade & Policy: Peru’s Foreign Minister signals 2027 priorities focused on technical and political work, as Lima seeks to manage trade negotiations and external pressure. Local Governance & Accountability: A separate U.S. case highlights how election fraud probes can expand, underscoring the political sensitivity of voting integrity. Health & Business in Peru: Axo Longevity says it has launched in Peru as part of its preventive health membership push, tying the country into a broader regional expansion.

Peru Digital Security: Peru’s Economy and Finance Ministry (MEF) says its official X account was hacked by crypto scammers promoting a fake token ($HYLO) and urging Peruvians to check “allocations” ahead of a supposed Sept. 25 launch—MEF moved to regain control and delete the posts. Regional Fisheries Governance: Chile, Ecuador, and Peru agreed on an initial roadmap for managing the giant squid (Dosidicus gigas) fishery, aiming to tighten scientific cooperation and coordinate regional rules for a resource vital to coastal livelihoods. Archaeology in Peru: Excavations at Chan Chan near Trujillo uncovered an almost intact Chimú mausoleum complex, including a sealed elite chamber with grave goods and human remains, offering a rare look beyond looted burials. El Niño Watch: The U.S. National Weather Service warns El Niño is strengthening toward a “very strong” and possibly historic event this winter, with impacts likely to last into next year. Civic & Public Participation: Peru’s President Fujimori announced education reforms and major school construction/refurbishment plans, while other coverage highlights efforts to improve public access to government processes. International Legal/Immigration: A Peruvian woman in Kansas was indicted for allegedly voting in a federal election after falsely claiming U.S. citizenship.

Peru Water & Farming Push: President Keiko Fujimori inaugurated the Paccaritambo irrigation system in Cusco, promising steadier water for high-Andean agriculture amid El Niño-linked droughts, and tied the plan to higher productivity and better incomes. Government Delivery Message: Fujimori also defended her administration’s “results nationwide” approach, urging mayors and ministries to coordinate on stalled projects and previewing a five-year national education plan. U.S.-Peru Security Alignment: Peru’s role in Washington’s “Shield of the Americas” anti-cartel effort stayed in focus after Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Fujimori, with protests reported in Lima over the visit and the alliance’s militarized direction. Regional Military Training: Peru hosted Southern Vanguard 26, bringing U.S., Peru, Chile, and others into Amazon jungle exercises aimed at interoperability and readiness. Cybercrime Watch (Peru in the mix): Fortinet flagged the Casbaneiro banking Trojan campaign using phishing PDFs and region-aware delivery to target users in Argentina, Peru, Colombia, and Mexico. Legal/Justice Angle: A Colombian court fight over military operations involving possible minors drew a sharp presidential backlash and an announced appeal.

Shield of the Americas: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrapped up meetings in Lima with President Keiko Fujimori, with Peru formally joining Washington’s “Shield of the Americas” anti-drug coalition—framed as security cooperation but widely seen as expanding U.S. military influence in the region. Amazon drills: Peru hosted Southern Vanguard 26, bringing nearly 400 troops from Peru, the U.S., Chile and Argentina for jungle mobility, survival and combined operations training. Tourism access: Peru moved to tighten Machu Picchu digital ticketing rules, ending advance bookings and shifting to a more direct, payment-confirmed sales flow. El Niño risk: NOAA warned the 2026 El Niño could be historic, with knock-on effects for rainfall and flooding patterns that also threaten Peru’s heritage sites. Legal and security headlines: Peru’s President Fujimori also pushed for legislative action and extraordinary powers, while regional coverage continued to spotlight the broader legal and security agenda tied to the U.S.-led crackdown.

Peru–U.S. Security Push: President Keiko Fujimori confirmed Alvaro Vargas Llosa will become Peru’s ambassador to Washington, as the country deepens cooperation with the U.S. on organized crime and migration. Hemispheric Anti-Drug Alliance: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrapped up a Lima visit by highlighting Peru’s formal entry into the “Shield of the Americas,” a Trump-backed coalition aimed at dismantling drug cartels and expanding security coordination across the region. Immigration Powers at Home: Fujimori also asked Congress for legislative authority to extend detention periods and speed deportations for people in Peru illegally, arguing the government needs “additional tools” to enforce immigration policy. Amazon Rights Under Pressure: The Chapra Nation’s territorial government denounced threats and an armed intimidation incident against environmental defender Olivia Bisa Tirko, calling for urgent protection. Climate and Heritage Risk: Peru faces El Niño-driven disruptions, including warmer coastal waters hurting anchovy fishing and heightened threats to world heritage sites like Chan Chan.

Security & Diplomacy: Peru officially joined the U.S.-led “Shield of the Americas” anti-cartel coalition after Marco Rubio’s Lima visit, as Washington pushes a broader “Donroe doctrine” style alignment across Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru—backed by joint operations, intelligence sharing, training, and military equipment. Immigration Enforcement: President Keiko Fujimori asked Congress for legislative powers to extend detention periods and speed deportations of undocumented migrants, saying the government needs “additional tools” to implement the plan faster. Appointments & U.S. Ties: Peruvian writer Alvaro Vargas Llosa accepted a nomination to become ambassador to Washington, pending formal procedures, with the goal of advancing a “new phase” in Peru–U.S. relations. Environment & Rights: The Chapra Nation (GTANCH) denounced threats and an armed intimidation incident against its president and environmental defender Olivia Bisa Tirko, calling for urgent protection for threatened defenders. El Niño Impact: Warmer waters are driving anchovies away from Peru’s coast, leaving fishing boats idle and raising fears for jobs as El Niño intensifies.

US-Peru Security Push: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrapped a South America swing with Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador aligning on the Trump-backed Shield of the Americas anti-drug coalition—focused on joint operations, intelligence sharing, training, and expanded U.S. military support. Migration Crackdown: Peru’s President Keiko Fujimori proposed extending detention periods for irregular migrants to speed expulsion, asking Congress for new legislative powers and citing coordination with Rubio. El Niño Response: Fujimori announced Japan’s JICA confirmed $10 million in machinery aid for Peru’s El Niño impacts, with cleanup and river-protection works already underway. Congressional Appointments: Fujimori said Alvaro Vargas Llosa will become Peru’s Ambassador to the U.S., pending formal procedures. Misinformation Rules: Meta’s Oversight Board urged the company not to replace professional fact-checking with Community Notes in Latin America, including Peru. Amazon Mining Watch: A Peru Amazon report highlights mercury-free artisanal gold efforts in Madre de Dios amid violence, informality, and pollution risks.

Shield of the Americas: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrapped a South America swing in Lima, where President Keiko Fujimori announced Peru is joining the Trump-backed “Shield of the Americas” to coordinate action against drug cartels, with Rubio stressing allied approval and intelligence-sharing. Domestic pushback: Peruvian critics protested Rubio’s visit and rejected the U.S.-backed security alliance, warning it could undermine sovereignty. Terror list expansion: The U.S. also designated Ecuador’s gang “Los Tiguerones” as a foreign terrorist organization, expanding its Latin America list to 21. Legal & rights: India’s Supreme Court quashed a POCSO case against a teacher, saying corporal punishment lacked the sexual intent required by law. Archaeology in Peru: At Chan Chan, researchers uncovered a sealed Chimú elite mausoleum with 38 bodies and major artifacts, calling it a once-in-a-generation find. Public safety: Peru’s crime-fighting officials reiterated that protecting elderly people must be a top priority.

Peru Joins U.S.-Led Security Bloc: President Keiko Fujimori announced Peru will join the “Shield of the Americas,” a Trump-backed coalition aimed at coordinated action against organized crime and drug cartels, after meetings with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Lima. U.S.-China Tensions Over Chancay: Rubio’s talks also drew a sharp response from China’s embassy, which defended its investments and criticized U.S. visa restrictions, as Peru balances security cooperation with major trade ties to Beijing. Rubio Pushes “Narcoterrorism” Line: During the visit, Rubio framed regional crime groups as threats to sovereignty and pressed for tighter cross-border enforcement, while Peru highlighted emergency measures and intelligence sharing. Meta’s Community Notes Expansion: Meta began testing Community Notes across 16 Latin American countries including Peru, alarming fact-checkers who fear it could replace independent verification. Peru Archaeology Update: Peru’s Culture Ministry announced a major Chan Chan discovery: a 600+ year-old funerary platform with remains of 38 high-status individuals, reportedly preserved due to minimal looting.

Peru–U.S. Security: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended deadly U.S. strikes on suspected drug boats during a Quito visit, saying cartels would “eat these countries alive” if left unchecked, while also seeking $45 million more from Congress for Ecuador anti-drug cooperation and vessels for its coastguard. Peru–Critical Minerals & Policy: A new push to secure “critical energy transition minerals” highlights rising demand for copper, lithium and rare earths, with calls for stronger environmental and social safeguards as countries turn pledges into law. Peru–Mining Investment: Coppernico’s Peruvian unit signed a Phase 2 diamond drilling deal for its Sombrero copper-gold project in Ayacucho, pending MINEM start authorization. Peru–Trade & Exports: Peru’s grape exports hit US$790M in 1H 2026, while broader trade coverage notes Peru’s growing role in regional supply chains. Peru–Governance & Rights: Peru’s President Keiko Fujimori reportedly requested extraordinary powers to push an assault on workers’ rights, as debate continues over human-rights risks.

US–Peru Regional Security: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio escalated Washington’s anti-drug push in the region, designating Ecuador’s Los Tiguerones gang as a terrorist group during a Quito visit—an effort tied to broader security cooperation with right-wing allies. Indigenous Rights & Safety in the Amazon: In Peru’s Loreto, Indigenous leader Olivia Bisa Tirko reported a new intimidation attack while traveling with her family; Indigenous groups and human rights advocates are pressing for urgent protection after police initially refused to register the complaint. Pope Leo XIV Visit Planning: Peru authorized about 63.2 million soles (roughly $18M) to organize Pope Leo XIV’s November 11–16 trip, including stops in Lima, Chiclayo, Cusco, and Pucallpa. Government & Economy: Peru’s foreign ministry and partners are also moving on AI development via a signed MOU with the US Embassy, while officials highlight growth and investment priorities ahead of El Niño response needs. Culture & Society: A Peruvian city is set to unveil a major Pope Leo XIV statue ahead of the visit, underscoring the event’s domestic political and cultural weight.

US-Peru Relations: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio kicked off a three-nation Latin America tour, pledging to deepen security and trade ties as Washington seeks to counter China’s growing influence; in Colombia he signed critical minerals and civilian nuclear cooperation arrangements, and he is set to meet Peru’s newly elected President Keiko Fujimori as part of the “Shield of the Americas” push. China-Peru Tensions: China’s embassy in Lima hit back at Rubio’s claims that Chinese-backed projects threaten transparency and data security, defending investments tied to the Chancay port and insisting they comply with Peruvian law. Critical Minerals & Nuclear Cooperation: The Rubio visit also spotlights new frameworks aimed at building secure critical-minerals supply chains and expanding civil nuclear cooperation with Colombia, with similar themes expected across the region. Mining Update (Peru): Pecoy Copper reported updated geophysical targeting at its southern Peru project, expanding focus to multiple MTP targets beyond the drilled footprint. El Niño Preparedness (Peru): Peru’s government and President addressed El Niño response efforts, including modular bridge deployment and coordination with JICA.