More than 450 Mexicans have been left stranded by the political unrest in Peru, according to a statement by the Mexican ambassador to Peru, Pablo Monroy.
In a video uploaded to the Foreign Ministry’s Twitter account, Monroy said that more than half of the Mexican citizens in Peru are in the touristic area of Cusco. Many are unable to leave due to the demonstrations that have paralyzed the country since the ousting of President Pedro Castillo last week.
“The demonstrations in several cities of the country continue,” Monroy explained. “Some road blockades are also maintained, so interprovincial transport is suspended in many localities.”
The five airports of Cusco, Arequipa, Andahuaylas, Juliaca, and Ayacucho also remain closed. Monroy said that the Mexican Embassy is in communication with Peruvian authorities to evacuate Mexican citizens as soon as these airports reopen.
Monroy also gave updates on some well-known cases, including the Atlante Metepec youth football team, who have been stranded in the city of Trujillo since Dec. 12. He assured that the embassy is organizing for the 22 teenagers and 6 coaching staff to fly to Lima on Sunday night in order to leave Peru on Monday.
The ambassador urged all Mexicans in Peru to contact the embassy in order to receive assistance.
“It is extremely important that you register in the record we have activated in the embassy, because this way we know where you are, and we can communicate with you,” he said.
Over recent days, several Mexicans in Peru have told media outlets they feel abandoned by the Mexican government, and worried about how they will pay for ongoing hotel accommodation.