Hello,

Since the impeachment of President Pedro Castillo by Parliament in December 2022, Peru has been undergoing a political and social crisis. For this reason, the organization of the Half Marathon des Sables in Peru has decided to cancel the 2023 edition.

This decision was followed by massive demonstrations and social unrest across the country. The reasons for the anger are many and deep-rooted, including social inequality, regional disparities, racism and endemic corruption.

The protests were marked by violent police repression, resulting in the deaths of several demonstrators. Protesters are calling for the departure of Vice-President Dina Boluarte, who assumed power after Pedro Castillo was deposed, as well as for early elections and the formation of a Constituent Assembly. However, Ms. Boluarte refuses to resign, and Congress has not yet called early elections.

In response to the demonstrations, the government declared a state of emergency in several regions, including Lima, Cuzco, Puno and Callao. A state of emergency gives the army the power to intervene to maintain order, but also entails the suspension of certain constitutional rights, such as freedom of movement and assembly.

Please note that this information is based on events up to March 2023, so it is rather difficult to find recent information on the country's current situation.

Quentin