Alberto Fujimori, former president of Peru, has died at 86

Alberto Fujimori, the former President of Peru, passed away at the age of 86, marking the end of a controversial chapter in Peruvian history. Fujimori's presidency from 1990 to 2000 was characterized by both significant economic reforms and severe human rights abuses. Initially celebrated for stabilizing an economy plagued by hyperinflation and confronting insurgent groups such as the Shining Path, his administration later faced criticism for authoritarian measures, including the use of death squads and forced sterilizations. The duality of his legacy showcases the complexities inherent in governance during tumultuous times.

Fujimori's rise to power is emblematic of a broader trend in Latin America during the late 20th century, wherein populist leaders often emerged as solutions to crises exacerbated by neoliberal policies. His implementation of neoliberal economic reforms resulted in substantial GDP growth; however, these policies disproportionately affected marginalized communities. As a result, while some sectors prospered under Fujimori’s rule, social inequality deepened .

Alberto Fujimori, who steered economic growth during the 1990s but was later jailed for human rights abuses stemming from a bloody war against Maoist rebels, died on Wednesday. He was aged 86.

Close colleagues visited him earlier in the day, reporting that he was in a critical condition.

"After a long battle with cancer, our father... has just departed to meet the Lord," his daughter Keiko Fujimori wrote in a message on X, also signed by the former leader's other children.

Fujimori, who governed Peru from 1990 to 2000, remains a highly divisive figure in Peru. The former agronomist of Japanese heritage inspired unquestioning loyalty from his followers – despite being jailed for corruption and human rights crimes – and opprobrium from his detractors for his iron-fisted decade in power.

Fujimori was eventually convicted of human rights violations that targeted mainly poor indigenous communities.

Japan before returning to Chile, where he was arrested.

Today his daughter Keiko is the leader of Peru's biggest political party.

She lost the last presidential elections by a narrow margin and has already announced she will run again in 2026.

Fujimori was married twice. A public falling-out with his first wife Susana Higuchi while he was president led him to name daughter Keiko as the first lady. The couple had three other children, including Kenji Fujimori, also a politician.

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Sarah H

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