President Daniel Noboa declared a three-day border closure in Ecuador ahead of crucial presidential elections to combat destabilization attempts by armed groups. With increased military presence, the government aims to manage the growing violence linked to drug trafficking gangs. Noboa, facing his opponent Luisa Gonzalez, previously won a majority in October 2023, and the upcoming election is set to define Ecuador’s security policies moving forward.
Ecuador’s President, Daniel Noboa, has announced a temporary closure of the country’s borders for three days, coinciding with the presidential elections in which he is a candidate. This decision aims to counter destabilization efforts by armed groups, with borders closed from Saturday to Monday, coinciding with the first round of voting. Noboa emphasized the need to fortify military presence at border points and to militarize ports immediately.
During his campaign for reelection, Noboa revealed that his security team apprehended twelve individuals in military attire, armed with rifles and a drone. He described these individuals as “narco-terrorists” attempting to destabilize the nation. Noboa, who assumed presidency after Guillermo Lasso’s early exit from office, continues to grapple with severe internal security issues due to rising gang violence linked to drug trafficking.
Ecuador, grappling with a severe drug trafficking crisis, has seen a surge in violence attributed to various gangs, escalating fears amongst its 17 million citizens. This trend has transformed Ecuador from a peaceful nation, nestled between cocaine-producing neighbors Peru and Colombia, into a critical connection point for drug shipments. A notable increase in violence was recorded in 2023, resulting in 47 homicides per 100,000 people.
The Noboa administration initiated states of emergency, including deploying military personnel on the streets to manage violence, which reportedly reduced the homicide rate to 38 by the beginning of 2024. Facing a challenging political landscape, Noboa is expected to compete once again against his opponent Luisa Gonzalez in the upcoming election. He previously secured 52.1% of the vote in October 2023 against Gonzalez.
The political and social landscape in Ecuador is currently dominated by issues of security and governance. Following a surge in violence linked to drug trafficking, President Noboa declared a state of internal armed conflict, aiming to stabilize the nation. The country is plagued by various gangs engaged in illegal activities, leading to an alarming rise in homicide rates. This has necessitated extraordinary measures including military interventions and border closures in the face of increasing threats.
In conclusion, President Daniel Noboa’s announcement to close Ecuador’s borders during the presidential election reflects the severe security challenges the nation faces due to rising violence from organized crime. By tightening military control and suspending border movements, Noboa aims to ensure stability during this critical moment. The upcoming election will be pivotal as it determines the next steps in addressing the crisis in Ecuador.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
