Controversial Reinstallation of Pizarro Statue Sparks Divided Opinions in Lima

The statue of Francisco Pizarro has been reinstated in Lima after over two decades, marking the city's founding anniversary. While supporters argue it preserves history, critics condemn it as a symbol of colonial violence against indigenous peoples.

A statue of the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro has been reinstalled in the heart of Peru's capital, Lima, after being taken down more than 20 years ago. The unveiling coincided with the city's 490th anniversary, a date marked by mixed sentiments among locals. Pizarro, who founded Lima in 1535 following his defeat of the Inca Empire, is a controversial figure; to some, he represents the establishment of a modern nation, while to others, he embodies the destruction of indigenous cultures.

Supporters of the statue's return argue that removing historical monuments leads to an erasure of the past. They contend that Pizarro's actions, while violent, were part of a historical narrative that cannot be ignored. Rafael López Aliaga, the mayor of Lima, along with Isabel Díaz Ayuso, president of the Community of Madrid, led the ceremony, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the city's history. Díaz Ayuso remarked that the ceremony represented "not only the birth of a city but also the beginning of a historic encounter that forever transformed the world," as reported by the Spanish daily El Pais.

On the other hand, many indigenous leaders and local citizens view the statue's reinstatement as a direct affront to their identities and histories. They characterize Pizarro as a "mass murderer" whose actions led to cultural annihilation. Demonstrations against the statue's return drew numerous participants, voicing their outrage. One protestor pointedly stated, "This is an offence, an offence to all the indigenous peoples of Peru, Latin America and the world."

This installation and the accompanying disagreements underscore a broader global conversation about how societies remember their pasts, who is honored, and the narratives surrounding such figures. As Lima navigates its dual heritage, the Pizarro statue stands at a contentious intersection of history, culture, and identity.