WikiPeru • The Encyclopedia of Peru
Justiniano Borgoño Castañeda, born on September 5, 1836, in Trujillo, was a Peruvian military officer and politician who briefly served as the provisional president of Peru from 1894 to 1895. His career is most notable for his role in overseeing a political transition during a time of national instability.
Before becoming president, Borgoño had a long military career. He participated in several civil wars that shook Peru in the 19th century, particularly during the struggles between conservative and liberal forces. His military expertise earned him high-ranking positions within the army, as well as political appointments.
In 1894, Borgoño was appointed provisional president following the resignation of Remigio Morales Bermúdez, who was gravely ill. Borgoño held the presidency during a highly unstable period, marked by intense political and social tensions. His term took place amidst the power struggle between supporters of General Andrés Avelino Cáceres and the rising opposition figure Nicolás de Piérola.
Borgoño’s short presidency ended with Cáceres returning to power in 1895, but widespread public dissatisfaction and the rise of opposition forces soon led to Cáceres’ downfall. Borgoño, although loyal to the regime, ultimately agreed to transfer power to Nicolás de Piérola after a series of tumultuous events that culminated in a civil war.
After stepping down from the presidency, Justiniano Borgoño withdrew from active politics and lived a quieter life until his death on January 27, 1921.
Borgoño is often remembered as a transitional figure in Peruvian political history, whose brief presidency came during a critical moment. He is noted for managing a difficult period of Peruvian history amid deep political crises.