Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has announced a three-day closure of the nation’s borders ahead of the presidential election amidst concerns of destabilization from armed groups. He has mandated a military escalation in border regions and reported the arrest of individuals allegedly involved in narcotic-related activities. Noboa’s government continues to combat rising gang violence as the country prepares for a critical electoral decision.
President Daniel Noboa of Ecuador has declared the closure of the nation’s borders for three days, effective Saturday, February 8, as a preventive measure coinciding with the first round of the presidential election on Sunday, where he is a candidate. This decision was announced on social media, where he cited threats from armed groups as the impetus for this action.
In addition to the border closure, President Noboa has ordered an increase in military presence in vulnerable border areas and stated the immediate militarization of ports. During his campaign, Noboa’s security team apprehended twelve individuals dressed in military attire, armed and equipped with a drone, whom he labeled as “narco-terrorists” attempting to destabilize the country.
Noboa, who ascended to power in November 2023, was previously tasked with completing the term of ex-President Guillermo Lasso, following Lasso’s early resignation amid corruption claims. In January 2024, the President characterized the situation in the nation as one of “internal armed conflict” after the escape of a prominent drug lord from prison ignited a surge in violence among rival gangs.
Ecuador has been grappling with rampant gang activity involving drug trafficking, extortion, and kidnapping, leading to widespread violence. The homicide rate surged to a record-high of 47 per 100,000 residents in 2023, prompting the Noboa administration to enact states of emergency, which reportedly reduced the rate to 38 by 2024.
In the upcoming elections, President Noboa will rival his left-wing opponent, lawyer Luisa Gonzalez, alongside indigenous leader Leonidas Iza. Noboa previously secured a victory in October 2023 with over 52% of the votes, but the escalating violence and drug trafficking issues loom large as key concerns for voters in this election cycle.
Ecuador has faced significant turmoil as it transforms from a country once perceived as a refuge amid regional drug trafficking crises to a central hub for narcotics logistics. With an alarming rise in gang violence and a record-high homicide rate, the government of President Daniel Noboa has sought to address these challenges through stringent measures, including military deployments and emergency declarations. The political landscape remains charged, with Noboa’s leadership and the upcoming elections at the forefront of public attention.
In conclusion, President Daniel Noboa’s decision to close borders and bolster military forces in response to apparent threats from armed groups underscores the escalating security challenges in Ecuador. As the nation approaches important presidential elections, the intersection of political stability and increased gang violence presents a critical moment for the future leadership of Ecuador. The outcome of the elections may significantly influence the country’s ongoing struggle against narcotics-related issues and violence.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
