Former Army Major (r) Antauro Humala has reaffirmed his pride in leading the violent military insurrection known as the “Andahuaylazo,” stating he feels no regret for the events that took place on January 1, 2005. During an interview with Bethel Radio’s program Hora Punta, the etnocacerista leader explicitly stated he is “recontra orgulloso” (very proud) of both the “Andahuaylazo” and the “Locumbazo.”
The 2005 uprising, which involved approximately 160 etnocaceristas and a group of reservists, resulted in the deaths of four police officers. For these actions, Humala was sentenced to 19 years in prison.
Justifying Armed Insurrection
Humala attempted to justify the armed uprising by claiming its objective was to force the resignation of then-President Alejandro Toledo, who has since been imprisoned in connection with the Odebrecht and Ecoteva cases. When questioned about the four police officers killed, Humala asserted they were “deaths caused by Alejandro Toledo.”
The former military officer further questioned who would not feel proud to rebel against Toledo, whom he described as a “thief and corrupt” individual rather than a national hero, and drew a parallel to rebelling against Alberto Fujimori.
Praise for Sendero Luminoso
In the same interview, Humala maintained his position that Sendero Luminoso was the “most transcendent” export of the left, citing “freedom of opinion” as the basis for his views. This follows a pattern of similar statements; in 2023, Humala claimed in a video that Sendero Luminoso was the best the left had produced since Francisco Pizarro, praising its ideology, leadership, and “martyrology.”
More recently, on April 26, 2026, during an interview with Panamericana’s Sin Rodeos, Humala stated that insurgent groups in arms—specifically Sendero Luminoso—have been the most consistent in their “predication of armed struggles.”
These declarations led anti-terrorism procurator Milko Ruiz to file a complaint against Humala before the Specialized Supraprovincial Corporate Criminal Prosecution for terrorism and related crimes.
Political Alliances and Ideological Friction
Humala is currently in a political alliance with Roberto Sánchez, a presidential candidate for Juntos por el Perú. While the two share a “convergence ideology” regarding the push for a constituent assembly, Humala has admitted to disagreements regarding the party’s government plan.
Specifically, Humala stated he does not agree with policies focused on the prevention and reparation of gender violence with an intersectional approach for the LGTBI community. Roberto Sánchez, when asked about the potential approval of same-sex marriage within the party, stated he would not agree but noted that as he is not the “host party,” the correct course is to “support” it.
Analysis of Electoral Strategy
Political analyst Paulo Vilca suggests that Humala’s provocative statements may be a strategy to maintain visibility and avoid “losing relevance” in national politics. Vilca noted that Humala has lost the registration of his own political party, A.N.T.A.U.R.O., and that the etnocacerista movement has been divided.
According to Vilca, Humala may be using the alliance with Roberto Sánchez not for shared electoral interests in a potential second round, but rather to recover political space and rebuild his own organization. Vilca concluded that Humala has always presented himself as radical and “contestatario,” meaning moderation is unlikely.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the “Andahuaylazo” and what were the consequences?
The “Andahuaylazo” was a violent military insurrection led by Antauro Humala and a group of reservists on January 1, 2005. It resulted in the deaths of four police officers, and Humala was sentenced to 19 years in prison for his role in the event.
What is Humala’s current political relationship with Roberto Sánchez?
Humala maintains a political alliance with Roberto Sánchez, the presidential candidate for Juntos por el Perú. They agree on the proposal to promote a constituent assembly, though they disagree on LGTBI-related government policies.
Why was Antauro Humala reported to the terrorism prosecutor?
Anti-terrorism procurator Milko Ruiz filed a complaint after Humala repeatedly praised Sendero Luminoso, calling it the best and most transcendent contribution of the left, and justifying the existence of the group.
Do you believe radical rhetoric can coexist within a formal political alliance during a presidential campaign?
