Ecuador Enacts Emergency to Tackle Rising Crime

According to the reports on Saturday (4 January 2025), Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa has declared a 60-day state of emergency across seven provinces and three municipalities to combat escalating violence and armed conflict. The provinces affected include Guayas, Los Ríos, Manabí, Santa Elena, El Oro, Orellana, and Sucumbíos, along with the Metropolitan District of Quito, La Troncal, and Camilo Ponce Enríquez. Noboa attributed the emergency declaration to surging crime rates and the growing influence of organized armed groups. Measures implemented include suspending certain constitutional rights and imposing nightly curfews in 20 cantons.

The country has been grappling with an “internal armed conflict” against organized crime groups, officially labeled as terrorists, since January 2024. In recent months, incidents of violence have surged, including two armed attacks that left nine people dead and the discovery of six male bodies in Manabí. The victims, aged 17-25, showed signs of brutal execution, and reports indicate a growing trend of targeted family killings in regions like Sucre canton.

Manabí, a key area for drug trafficking along Ecuador’s Pacific coast, has become a hotspot for organized crime, driving much of the violence. Authorities have identified 22 criminal gangs involved in illegal activities, further complicating efforts to restore security. The region has witnessed rising tensions as criminal groups vie for control over trafficking routes and resources, creating a climate of fear and instability for local residents.

In response to these challenges, the Ecuadorian government has deployed police and military forces to critical conflict zones. The emergency measures aim to empower these forces to dismantle criminal networks and protect civilians. President Noboa’s declaration underscores the urgency of addressing the growing crisis, as the nation struggles to curb violence and reassert control over its territories.

References

• Ecuador declares state of emergency in seven provinces