Meaning: The quote is attributed to Alberto Fujimori, the former President of Peru, and it addresses the progress made in fighting terrorism during his presidency. Fujimori served as the President of Peru from 1990 to 2000 and was known for his strong stance against terrorism. His administration was marked by a controversial and authoritarian style of governance, but he also gained recognition for his efforts in combating terrorism, particularly the insurgent group Shining Path.

During the 1980s and early 1990s, Peru faced a significant threat from the Shining Path, a Maoist guerrilla group that sought to overthrow the Peruvian government through armed struggle. The group was responsible for numerous acts of violence, including bombings, assassinations, and attacks on security forces, as well as widespread human rights abuses. The conflict between the government and the Shining Path resulted in a high number of casualties and created a climate of fear and instability in Peru.

Fujimori's quote reflects his belief that his government had made progress in addressing the terrorist threat, particularly in comparison to the preceding decades. The reference to "the first 30 years of the former governments" alludes to the challenges faced by previous administrations in effectively combating terrorism in Peru. Fujimori's assertion is that his administration had achieved success in this regard, signaling a shift from the perceived failures of earlier governments in dealing with the Shining Path and other terrorist threats.

Fujimori's approach to combating terrorism was marked by controversial tactics, including the use of military force, emergency measures, and human rights violations. His government implemented aggressive counterinsurgency strategies, which included the capture and imprisonment of Shining Path leaders and the dismantling of the group's infrastructure. These efforts led to a significant weakening of the Shining Path and a reduction in its capacity to carry out large-scale attacks.

However, Fujimori's methods also drew condemnation from human rights organizations and international observers due to allegations of extrajudicial killings, disappearances, and other abuses committed by security forces under his administration. The pursuit of counterterrorism objectives often intersected with violations of civil liberties and democratic norms, raising concerns about the erosion of human rights and the rule of law in Peru during that period.

In 2000, Fujimori's presidency came to an end amid a political crisis, and he fled to Japan, where he remained in exile for several years. Subsequently, he faced legal proceedings and was extradited to Peru, where he was convicted of human rights abuses and corruption related charges. His legacy remains deeply polarizing, with supporters crediting him for his role in neutralizing the Shining Path and restoring a sense of security in Peru, while critics highlight the authoritarian methods and human rights violations associated with his administration's anti-terrorism efforts.

Overall, Fujimori's quote encapsulates his perspective on the achievements of his government in combating terrorism, reflecting the complex and contentious nature of his approach to addressing the threat posed by groups like the Shining Path. It serves as a reminder of the challenges and controversies surrounding the intersection of security imperatives and human rights considerations in the context of counterterrorism efforts.