Ecuador’s upcoming elections are overshadowed by sharp increases in crime, with homicide rates rising by 430% in five years. President Noboa’s response has included declaring a state of emergency and emphasizing military involvement in security. Various organized crime groups not only traffic drugs but also engage in extortion and political corruption, necessitating a holistic and integrated approach to fight crime and restore public trust.

Ecuador is facing significant challenges ahead of its elections on February 9, overshadowed by a dramatic rise in crime and insecurity. Since becoming alarmingly violent, homicide rates have surged by 430%, alongside a doubling of femicides and a 640% increase in youth violence. Amidst these issues, political candidates must address security as a primary concern while contending with deep-rooted criminal influences that complicate Ecuador’s societal fabric.

Ecuador, once an island of peace, has been dramatically impacted by the rise of organized crime, resulting in widespread insecurity and violence. As the country prepares for elections, the staggering rates of murder, femicide, and youth violence have taken precedence over other significant issues, such as economic crises. The security landscape also affects U.S. interests, as drug trafficking and illegal fishing evolve into pressing threats attributable to Colombian and Mexican criminal syndicates.

Ecuador’s elections take place against a backdrop of escalating violence that has necessitated urgent and transformative responses from its government. Successful strategies must not only dismantle existing criminal networks but also invest in judicial integrity and community resilience. Policymakers face the dual challenge of addressing immediate security concerns while rebuilding trust in institutions that have been significantly undermined by corruption and organized crime.

Original Source: www.brookings.edu