According to the official gazette, seven regions in southern Peru (Madre de Dios, Cusco, Puno, Apurimac, Arequipa, Moquegua and Tacna) are affected by this measure, which will apply for 60 days.

On January 13, the government extended states of emergency by 30 days in Lima, Callao, Cusco and Puno.

The extension does not affect the capital Lima or Callao, where the country’s main sea terminals and largest airport are located and where the state of emergency is due to end in mid-February.

This allows the army to reinforce the police force to restore public order. It also overrides constitutional rights such as freedom of movement and assembly.

The government decree imposed a 10-day curfew from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. in the department of Puno, an epicenter of anti-government protests where 18 civilians and a policeman were killed on January 9.

Peru has been gripped by a political crisis with almost daily protests since December 7, when then-President Pedro Castillo was arrested after attempting to dissolve Congress and rule by decree.

Food and fuel shortages

Roadblocks set up by protesters have left several areas with shortages of food, fuel and other essential supplies.

The protesters are demanding the dissolution of Congress, a new constitution and the resignation of Dina Boluarte, who took over as vice president after Mr Castillo’s arrest.

Several attempts to pass legislation to hold early elections have failed. The last one took place on Friday in vain, blocking any new debate on the subject until August.

Violent street protests ensued in central Lima on Saturday.

The movement is led by poor indigenous Peruvians from the south. They see in Mr. Castillo, who also comes from humble backgrounds and indigenous roots, an ally in their fight against poverty, racism and inequality.