Alberto Fujimori, the former president of Peru, has passed away at the age of 86 after a long battle with cancer, his daughter Keiko Fujimori confirmed. Fujimori was a controversial figure, remembered both for his aggressive campaign against a left-wing insurgency and his conviction for human rights abuses and corruption.
Fujimori governed Peru from 1990 to 2000. His presidency was marked by a fierce response to the Maoist rebel group, Sendero Luminoso (Shining Path), which threatened to destabilize the country. Although his supporters credit him with defeating the rebels and restoring Peru’s economy, his legacy is clouded by allegations of abuse, including two death squad massacres in the early 1990s.
During his time in office, Fujimori's administration oversaw a crackdown on the insurgency, which claimed an estimated 69,000 lives. He was later convicted of corruption and human rights violations, spending more than 15 years in prison before his release last year. His release was due to a presidential pardon, issued in 2017 and reinstated by Peru’s constitutional court in 2021.
Keiko Fujimori, the leader of Peru’s largest political party, announced her father's death on social media. She said he had fought a long battle with cancer, which had taken his life. His doctor, José Carlos Gutiérrez, confirmed the former president had been suffering from tongue cancer and died from complications related to the illness.
While Fujimori is praised by some as the leader who saved Peru from economic collapse and the insurgency, his authoritarian rule left many scars. He was forced to resign in 2000 amidst growing allegations of corruption, ultimately leaving behind a divided nation. Fujimori’s supporters view him as a hero, while critics see him as a symbol of authoritarianism and abuse.
Keiko Fujimori, who has announced her intention to run for president in 2026, will continue to navigate her father’s complicated political legacy. Fujimori’s death marks the end of an era, but the debates around his presidency and impact on Peru will likely continue for years to come.
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