Peru has declared three days of national mourning following the death of its former president, Alberto Fujimori, at the age of 86. Fujimori, who led the country from 1990 to 2000, succumbed to cancer, as announced by his family on Wednesday. His death has triggered a wave of reactions, reflecting the divisive nature of his legacy.

A state funeral has been arranged, and flags are being flown at half-mast at all public establishments. This solemn acknowledgment of Fujimori's impact on Peru stands in contrast to the mixed feelings his memory evokes. His daughter, Keiko Fujimori, stated that the former president would be laid to rest in a private cemetery in Lima following a three-day vigil.

Fujimori's presidency is marked by significant achievements, including the revival of Peru's economy and the defeat of the Shining Path guerrilla insurgency. However, his authoritarian regime was also characterized by severe human rights abuses and corruption. In 2009, he was convicted of human rights violations and corruption, leading to a 25-year prison sentence. Nonetheless, he was released in December last year on humanitarian grounds due to his failing health.

As news of Fujimori's death spread, hundreds of Peruvians gathered outside his residence in Lima. Supporters lauded his contributions to the nation, such as the educational reforms and infrastructure projects that marked his tenure. One such supporter, César Aquije, expressed his gratitude, reminiscing about the schools and roads built during Fujimori's administration.

Conversely, critics have been vocal about the detrimental aspects of his rule. Gisela Ortiz, whose brother was one of the 25 people murdered by a military death squad under Fujimori's government, condemned the state's homage to a man she views as a criminal who has avoided full justice for his actions.

Fujimori's rise to power followed an era of economic turmoil in Peru. His tenure began during the so-called 'lost decade,' a time when hyperinflation left the country in financial disarray. He implemented rigorous economic policies, including the introduction of the nuevo sol currency, which helped stabilize the economy. His measures, though painful, were credited with curbing hyperinflation and laying the groundwork for economic recovery.

Perhaps most famously, Fujimori took drastic steps to eradicate the Shining Path, a Maoist guerrilla group that terrorized the nation. His ruthless campaign saw the group's leader, Abimael Guzmán, captured in 1992, a triumph Fujimori flaunted to demonstrate his regime's effectiveness. Yet, his use of authoritarian tactics to shut down Congress and suspend the constitution has tarnished his legacy.

The key to his political downfall was the exposure of his close ties with Vladimiro Montesinos, the head of the intelligence service, who was involved in widespread corruption. The unearthing of videotapes showing Montesinos bribing politicians revealed the depth of corruption in Fujimori's administration. By the time these revelations came to light, Fujimori had fled to Japan, where he later resigned from the presidency by fax—a resignation that Peru's Congress refused to recognize.

Fujimori's health had been a matter of public concern for years. After being diagnosed with tongue cancer, he underwent extensive medical treatments, which severely weakened him. Despite his controversial past, some Peruvians continued to see him as a pivotal figure in the nation's history, often torn between admiration for his economic and security achievements and condemnation for his human rights record.

The passing of Alberto Fujimori invites both reflection and debate on the lasting impacts of his presidency. It highlights the enduring complexity of his role in shaping modern Peru. His supporters remember him as a hero who rescued the nation from economic and social turmoil, while his detractors insist on acknowledging the lives damaged by his government's heavy-handed policies. As the country mourns, it also grapples with the multifaceted legacy of a man whose name remains synonymous with both progress and controversy.