Peruvian President Keiko Fujimori toured El Salvador’s Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo on Thursday, October 29, 2026, as part of an official state visit focused on bilateral security cooperation.
Presidential Tour of the Cecot Megaprison
Fujimori Higuchi arrived at the facility alongside the Salvadoran Minister of Justice and Public Safety and the Minister of Defence. Prison administrators and government officials walked her through the operational mechanics of the facility, which was constructed in 2023 under the administration of Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele.
The high-security facility features a design capacity of 40 mil reclusos, with current population estimates placing around 20 mil personas inside the prison. Following the guided walkthrough, Salvadoran officials briefed the visiting delegation on the specific security protocols and strategic measures used to manage the massive population of detainees.
Did You Know? The Cecot megaprison was built in 2023 and currently houses approximately 20 mil personas, though it has an overall capacity to hold up to 40 mil reclusos.
Bilateral Meetings at the Presidential Palace
Later in the afternoon on October 29, President Fujimori proceeded to the Presidential Palace for a formal meeting with President Nayib Bukele. The diplomatic encounter forms the core of an official itinerary running through October 30, 2026, aimed at strengthening ties between Peru and El Salvador.
The presidential delegation accompanying Peru’s head of state includes Minister of Foreign Affairs Carlos Espá, Minister of the Interior César Astudillo, Minister of Justice and Human Rights Ernesto Álvarez, and Minister of Health Luis Dyer. Additional members of the delegation comprise Vice Minister of Pedagogical Management Miriam Ponce and Pronied Director Pedro Morales, alongside diplomatic representatives such as Peruvian Ambassador to El Salvador César Jordán and Salvadoran Ambassador to Peru Pablo Caballero.
Political Reactions to the Diplomatic Visit
Domestic political figures in Peru have voiced contrasting perspectives regarding the objectives of the presidential journey. Mariano Gonzáles described the high-level talks as positive for addressing citizen insecurity and transnational organized crime, pointing to the multidisciplinary nature of the Salvadoran administration’s team.
Similarly, former Luis Gonzales Posada asserted that the diplomatic trip sends a decisive signal against transnational gangs such as the Tren de Aragua from Venezuela, Los Choneros from Ecuador, and Colombian loan-shark networks. Congressional leadership echoed these sentiments, with Congress President Miguel Ángel Torres calling the journey essential for maximizing state efforts against rising criminality.
President Keiko Fujimori Tours Salvadoran Megaprison Facility
When did President Keiko Fujimori visit the Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo?
President Keiko Fujimori toured the Cecot facility on Thursday, October 29, 2026, as part of her official state visit to El Salvador.
Which officials accompanied the Peruvian president during her tour of the Salvadoran megaprison?
During her visit to the Cecot, Fujimori Higuchi was accompanied by El Salvador’s Minister of Justice and Public Safety and the Minister of Defence.
What is the official capacity and current population of the Cecot facility?
The Cecot was built in 2023 with a total capacity to house 40 mil reclusos, and around 20 mil personas are currently held inside the megaprison.
Worth a look