In his first official act as President of Peru, José Jeri Oré has called a high-level National Security Summit with the country’s Armed Forces and National Police.
The urgent meeting, held at the Government Palace in Lima, aims to design a unified strategy against Peru’s growing crime wave and public insecurity.
Sworn in after the impeachment of former president Dina Boluarte, Jeri wasted no time in identifying citizen safety as his government’s top priority.
Speaking to reporters before entering his residence, he emphasized calm but firm action: “We must work precisely to combat crime, which is the number one priority at this moment and reflects the public sentiment.”
The Summit: Who Attended and Why It Matters
The National Security Summit gathered the commanders of the Armed Forces, senior police officials, and government advisors to discuss coordinated measures against organized crime.
The meeting was called less than 24 hours after Jeri took the oath of office, signaling his intention to make security reform his administration’s cornerstone.
Jeri’s move follows months of rising extortion, contract killings, and gang-related violence, which have shaken public confidence.
By bringing together the military and police, Jeri aims to create a joint security command capable of restoring peace in crime-ridden regions.
Key Details of the Meeting
| Category | Information | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Government Palace, Lima | Central command for state security decisions |
| Participants | Armed Forces commanders and National Police chiefs | Unified chain of command for anti-crime strategy |
| Goal | Develop coordinated security response | Immediate action against gangs and extortion |
| President’s Statement | “Crime is the country’s number one challenge.” | Reinforces urgency and public expectation |
| Next Steps | Implementation of national security plan | Establishes visible presence in high-risk zones |
The focus of the summit was coordination, intelligence sharing, and tactical readiness.
Both the military and police will be tasked with operating in high-crime areas, improving surveillance systems, and responding swiftly to violent incidents.
Peru’s Crime Crisis: The Urgent Context
Over the past two years, Peru has seen a sharp increase in violent crime, driven by extortion gangs and cross-border criminal networks.
Urban centers such as Lima, Trujillo, and Arequipa have witnessed a rise in shootings, kidnappings, and protection rackets targeting transport workers, merchants, and small businesses.
Public frustration reached a breaking point after several high-profile attacks, including a mass shooting at a cumbia concert in Lima, which intensified calls for decisive government action.
In this tense atmosphere, President Jeri’s immediate security meeting reflects both political necessity and moral urgency. He has vowed to “declare war on organized crime” and restore safety to communities living in fear.
Jeri’s Security Priorities
President Jeri’s national plan against crime is expected to include:
- Joint operations between police and armed forces in critical zones.
- Deployment of rapid-response patrol units in Lima and northern regions.
- Intensified intelligence operations against extortion networks.
- Public communication campaigns to encourage citizen cooperation.
- Reinforcement of border controls to intercept arms and human trafficking.
The president’s challenge lies in coordinating large-scale security operations while maintaining constitutional limits and avoiding human rights violations.
Challenges Ahead
While Jeri’s leadership has begun with decisive symbolism, the road ahead is filled with challenges:
- Institutional distrust: Many Peruvians remain skeptical after years of political turnover.
- Coordination gaps: Integrating military and police command structures is complex.
- Short mandate: With elections scheduled for 2026, Jeri’s government has limited time to deliver visible results.
- Public pressure: Citizens expect immediate improvements in safety and enforcement.
Nonetheless, his direct approach and rapid action have earned cautious optimism among Peruvians hoping for genuine change.
President José Jeri Oré has launched his administration with a message of urgency, unity, and determination.
By convening Peru’s Armed Forces and Police for a National Security Summit, he has signaled a firm stance against the spiraling crime that has plagued the nation.
While challenges remain immense—ranging from gang control to public skepticism—Jeri’s first move has set a decisive tone.
The real test, however, will come in the weeks ahead, as Peruvians watch whether this united security front can truly deliver the peace, order, and stability they have long been demanding.
