The Brazilian Foreign Ministry announced on Saturday (27) the suspension of arms sales from Brazil to Peru.
The decision was made in response to the political and social instability in the neighboring country.
Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira announced the measure following a request from Congresswoman Fernanda Melchionna (PSOL), who had called for an investigation into the export of bullets to Peru during the end of the Bolsonaro government.
During a hearing in the Chamber, Vieira stated that no more weapons would be sold to Peru, clarifying that the weapons currently there were sold three years ago.
He stressed that there would be no new arms exports to the neighboring country as long as the unstable situation continues.
Peru, however, can continue to buy arms from the private sector despite the Brazilian government’s suspension of sales.
Data from the Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services shows that the country imported R$1.44 million worth of firearms and ammunition between January and April.
Last year, the total sales value was R$6.5 million.
Itamaraty’s decision comes at a time of political instability in Peru, which has seen the ouster of President Pedro Castillo and violent protests across the country that have left more than 60 people dead in clashes with police.
The Andean republic is currently led by President Dina Boluarte, Castillo’s former vice president, who the State Department has subpoenaed to testify about her possible responsibility for the deaths during the protests.
The suspension of arms sales from Brazil to Peru reflects the Brazilian government’s concern not to contribute to the escalation of violence in a neighboring country facing a political and social crisis.
With this decision, Itamaraty wants to take measures to stabilize the situation in Peru.
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