Ecuador faces heightened security issues due to narcotrafficking violence and a weakened state, as noted by security expert Vanda Felbab-Brown. President Daniel Noboa has adopted hardline measures modeled after Bukele’s approach in El Salvador, involving military policing and stricter penalties. As he campaigns for reelection amid record homicide rates, his policies will be tested in an upcoming runoff against Luisa Gonzalez.
Ecuador, once a symbol of safety in Latin America, now grapples with significant security challenges amplified by narcotrafficking-related violence. Vanda Felbab-Brown from Brookings Institution highlights that Ecuador faces a unique scenario of empowered criminal elements and a weakened state, worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has diminished societal resilience against organized crime.
President Daniel Noboa, Ecuador’s youngest elected leader following a 2023 special election, is tasked with addressing these security issues. Noboa has adopted hardline strategies akin to those enacted by El Salvador’s President Bukele, including military involvement in policing and increased criminal penalties, as he strives to reduce crime and gain political support.
As Noboa embarks on his reelection campaign, he aims to persuade voters of his policy effectiveness despite facing a record homicide rate and military scandals. The first electoral round concluded with a narrow victory over correísta candidate Luisa Gonzalez, setting the stage for a runoff on April 13, amidst ongoing challenges in security, electricity, and employment in the country.
Ecuador’s security landscape has shifted dramatically, necessitating strong leadership from President Noboa, who has adopted aggressive tactics typically seen in other Latin American nations. As he prepares for the upcoming elections, Noboa’s ability to demonstrate the success of his mano dura approach against a backdrop of violent crime will be crucial for securing voter support and addressing significant nationwide challenges.
Original Source: www.as-coa.org
