Alberto Fujimori, the Peruvian dictator who led the country through a tumultuous decade marked by economic reforms and human rights abuses, has died at the age of 86. His passing, announced by his daughter Keiko Fujimori, marks the end of an era in Peruvian politics and reignites debates about his controversial legacy. Fujimori’s rule, which spanned from 1990 to 2000, was characterized by a mix of economic liberalization, authoritarian governance, and a ruthless campaign against leftist insurgents. As Peru declares three days of national mourning, the country remains divided over the legacy of a man who was both hailed as an economic savior and condemned as a human rights violator.

The Rise to Power and Economic Reforms

Born in Lima in 1938 to Japanese immigrant parents, Alberto Fujimori’s ascent to power was as unexpected as it was transformative for Peru. An academic with a background in engineering, Fujimori entered politics as an outsider, winning the 1990 presidential election against the renowned writer Mario Vargas Llosa. At the time, Peru was grappling with hyperinflation, economic instability, and the violent insurgency of the Shining Path guerrilla group.

Fujimori’s initial years in office were marked by drastic economic reforms, often referred to as “Fujishock.” These measures included liberalizing the economy, privatizing state-owned enterprises, and implementing austerity policies. While these reforms were painful for many Peruvians in the short term, they ultimately succeeded in taming inflation and setting the stage for economic growth. This economic turnaround remains one of the most positively viewed aspects of Fujimori’s legacy among his supporters.

Authoritarian Turn and the Fight Against Terrorism

The Peruvian dictator’s governance took a decisive authoritarian turn in 1992 when he carried out an “autogolpe” or self-coup. Fujimori dissolved Congress, suspended the constitution, and began ruling by decree, arguing that these measures were necessary to combat terrorism and corruption effectively. This move, while widely criticized internationally, received significant domestic support at the time.

Fujimori’s government intensified its campaign against the Shining Path and other leftist guerrilla groups. While this campaign ultimately succeeded in significantly weakening these organizations, it came at a high cost in terms of human rights. The most notorious incidents included the Barrios Altos massacre in 1991 and the La Cantuta killings in 1992, where death squads linked to Fujimori’s government murdered civilians and students suspected of having ties to insurgents.

Downfall, Exile, and Legal Reckoning

Fujimori’s regime began to unravel in 2000 when he ran for a controversial third term. Amidst allegations of electoral fraud and a major corruption scandal involving his intelligence chief Vladimiro Montesinos, Fujimori’s grip on power weakened. In a bizarre turn of events, he fled to Japan and faxed his resignation from Tokyo.

For several years, Fujimori remained in exile in Japan, which refused to extradite him to Peru. However, his attempt to return to Peruvian politics led to his arrest in Chile in 2005 and subsequent extradition to Peru in 2007. In a landmark trial, Fujimori was convicted of human rights violations and corruption, receiving a 25-year prison sentence in 2009. This conviction was seen as a significant moment in Latin American justice, marking one of the first times a former head of state was held accountable for human rights abuses in their own country.

Fujimori’s imprisonment did not end his influence on Peruvian politics. His daughter, Keiko Fujimori, emerged as a prominent political figure, running for president three times and maintaining a strong “Fujimorista” movement in the country. The former president’s health issues led to several attempts to secure his release, including a controversial pardon in 2017 that was later overturned. In 2023, Peru’s Constitutional Court ordered his permanent release on humanitarian grounds, a decision that sparked both celebration and protest.

The death of Alberto Fujimori, the Peruvian dictator who shaped modern Peru, closes a contentious chapter in the nation’s history. His legacy remains deeply polarizing: to his supporters, he was the leader who rescued Peru from economic chaos and defeated terrorism; to his critics, he was a dictator who trampled on democratic institutions and human rights. Fujimori’s complex legacy encapsulates the challenges faced by many Latin American countries in balancing economic development, security, and democratic governance.

As Peru reflects on Fujimori’s impact, the country continues to grapple with the long-term consequences of his rule. The economic model he established largely remains in place, while the political divisions he exacerbated continue to influence Peruvian politics. The ongoing debate over his legacy underscores the difficulties in reconciling a leader’s achievements with their transgressions, a challenge that resonates far beyond Peru’s borders.

Fujimori’s death may offer an opportunity for Peru to confront its recent past and engage in a national dialogue about reconciliation and the future direction of the country. However, the deep-seated divisions that persist in Peruvian society suggest that achieving consensus on Fujimori’s place in history will remain elusive for years to come. As Peru moves forward, the complex legacy of its most controversial modern leader will continue to shape political discourse and national identity in profound ways.