Ecuador has been gripped by increasing violence and organised crime, prompting President Daniel Noboa to declare a 60-day state of emergency in seven provinces and three municipalities.
The affected regions include Guayas, Los Rios, Manabi, Santa Elena, El Oro, Orellana, and Sucumbios, alongside the Metropolitan District of Quito, La Troncal, and Camilo Ponce Enriquez.
This measure underscores the urgency of addressing rising crime and the growing presence of armed groups threatening public safety.
The emergency declaration aims to restore order and bolster the efforts of police and military forces operating in these areas. Specific rights, such as inviolability of the home and correspondence, have been suspended under these measures.
Additionally, a nightly curfew has been introduced in approximately 20 cantons to curb criminal activities and ensure public safety.
The crisis follows a surge in violence linked to organised crime. The government declared an “internal armed conflict” in January, targeting 22 criminal groups deemed “terrorist organisations.”
These gangs have been involved in numerous crimes, including drug trafficking, extortion, and violent attacks. Manabi province, a key hub for drug trafficking along Ecuador’s Pacific coast, has experienced a significant escalation in violence this year.
The police have reported frequent crimes in the region, with many attributed to organised criminal activities.
Recent incidents paint a grim picture of the situation. In December, six male bodies aged 17 to 25 were discovered in Manta, Manabi, bound and bearing gunshot wounds.
Around the same time, three members of a single family were murdered in Bahia de Caraquez, Sucre canton. Such violent episodes have become alarmingly common, fuelling fear and insecurity among residents.
The government’s response has been swift but challenging. Police and military forces have been deployed to conflict zones to dismantle criminal networks and restore stability.
However, the scale and reach of these groups complicate enforcement efforts. Last month, two armed attacks claimed the lives of nine people, further highlighting the urgent need for decisive action.
President Noboa’s declaration signals a determined approach to tackle the deepening crisis. The state of emergency aims not only to address immediate security concerns but also to empower law enforcement in their fight against criminal groups.
By suspending certain rights and imposing curfews, the government seeks to create an environment conducive to law enforcement operations.
Ecuador’s struggle against organised crime is not new, but it has intensified in recent years. With its strategic location along drug trafficking routes, the country has become a hotspot for illegal activities.
The infiltration of criminal organisations into communities has eroded public trust and challenged the government’s capacity to maintain order.
The situation also has broader implications for Ecuador’s stability. Rising crime and violence threaten the social fabric, economic development, and investor confidence.
The government’s efforts to combat organised crime must therefore balance immediate enforcement with long-term strategies for addressing the root causes of violence, including poverty, unemployment, and weak institutions.
The declaration of an “internal armed conflict” in January marked a turning point in Ecuador’s approach to organised crime. Labelling criminal gangs as “terrorist organisations” underscores the gravity of the threat they pose.
However, this designation also requires a comprehensive strategy that goes beyond law enforcement. Enhanced intelligence, international cooperation, and community engagement are essential components of a sustained response.
