Alberto Fujimori, former President of Peru, dies at 86 after battle with cancer

Alberto Fujimori, the former president of Peru who led the country from 1990 to 2000, died on Wednesday at the age of 86, said his family on social media.

Fujimori's health had been in decline for some time, and in May of this year, he revealed that he had been diagnosed with a new malignant tumor on his tongue. He subsequently began receiving radiation therapy, but his condition continued to worsen. Despite his deteriorating health, his daughter Keiko had previously stated that her father intended to run for the presidency again in the 2026 elections.

Keiko Fujimori delivered the news.

"After a long battle with cancer, our father, Alberto Fujimori, has just left to meet the Lord. We ask those who loved him to join us in prayer for the eternal rest of his soul. Thank you for everything, Dad!" she wrote on X (Twitter.)

A Final Struggle

In the hours leading up to his passing, Fujimori was reportedly fighting for his life. Alejandro Aguinaga, Fujimori's personal doctor and a congressman, spoke to the media outside Fujimori's residence, explaining the gravity of the situation. "The president is fighting... In light of the current circumstances and the concerns about his health, we request that visits be limited. We thank everyone for their interest in Fujimori," Aguinaga said.

Earlier in the day, the Peruvian government also expressed concern about the former president's health via a post on X, reflecting the nation's attention to his condition.

Fujimori had been released from prison in December 2022, where he had been serving a 25-year sentence for crimes against humanity. His release followed a controversial decision by the Constitutional Court of Peru to reinstate a humanitarian pardon that had been granted to him in 2017 by then-President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski. This move had faced backlash and was seen as defying the orders of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights.

A Complex Legacy

Fujimori's tenure as president is remembered for both significant achievements and serious controversies. He is credited with stabilizing Peru's economy and defeating the violent Shining Path insurgency, but his government was also accused of human rights violations, including forced sterilizations and extrajudicial killings.

His presidency came to an abrupt end in 2000 amid a corruption scandal that forced him to flee to Japan, where he sought refuge. However, in 2005, Fujimori was arrested during a trip to Chile and extradited to Peru to face charges. He was convicted in 2009 for crimes including human rights abuses during his presidency, leading to his lengthy prison sentence.

Despite the controversies surrounding him, Fujimori retained significant support from a portion of the Peruvian population, particularly for his role in combating terrorism and bringing economic stability.

Health Struggles

Fujimori's declining health became increasingly apparent in recent years. In July, he underwent hip surgery after being admitted to intensive care following a fall at his Lima residence. His medical complications compounded in the months that followed, with his doctors detecting another malignant tumor that led him to begin treatment.

In one of his last public messages, Fujimori shared a brief video expressing his determination to fight his illness. "I will fight a new battle," he said, referring to his ongoing battle with cancer.

Even as his health deteriorated, Fujimori had expressed a desire to return to politics. Keiko Fujimori, his daughter and a prominent political figure in Peru, had announced that her father intended to run for the presidency again in 2026, a plan that now will never come to fruition.

Alberto Fujimori's death marks the end of a controversial and complex chapter in Peru's history. His legacy, defined by both triumph and scandal, continues to divide opinions across the country.