Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa declared an amnesty for security forces combating drug cartels amid rising violence in Guayaquil, where 22 were killed in gang clashes. Noboa’s approach is part of his campaign for re-election amid significant public safety concerns. He aims to empower forces to act without fear and has proposed international assistance in tackling crime.
Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa has declared a preemptive pardon for security forces engaged in combating drug cartels in Guayaquil, a region recently affected by significant gang violence. This announcement follows violent clashes that resulted in 22 fatalities. Noboa, who assumed office in 2023, seeks re-election in an upcoming runoff election scheduled for April 13, emphasizing his aggressive stance against crime in a country grappling with increasing violence.
On February 9, Noboa narrowly won the first round of elections against leftist rival Luisa Gonzalez. Following his announcement on social media platform X, Noboa stated that all police and military personnel involved in operations in Nueva Prosperina would receive a presidential pardon. This move aims to empower security forces to act decisively without fear of backlash.
Noboa reassured the military, stating, “Defend the country and I will defend you,” highlighting his commitment to supporting them amid challenges in maintaining order. Gonzalez, a lawyer, has advocated for a more humane approach towards security personnel and criticized human rights violations linked to the war on drugs.
The surge in violence in Ecuador has been exacerbated by transnational cartels utilizing the country’s ports for cocaine trafficking to the U.S. and Europe. The homicide rate has drastically increased, with a rise from six to an alarming 47 per 100,000 inhabitants since 2018. With the violence persisting, Noboa has hardened his campaign rhetoric and proposed seeking international assistance, including special forces, to address the escalating criminal threats.
Guayaquil, which has been under a state of emergency for two months, is at the forefront of Ecuador’s security crisis, as it contends with the ramifications of gang-related violence.
President Daniel Noboa’s preemptive amnesty for security forces represents a bold strategy against the backdrop of escalating violence attributed to drug cartels in Ecuador. As he navigates re-election prospects, his commitment to support law enforcement amid increasing homicides reflects both urgency and controversy. The impact of crime on public safety continues to shape Ecuador’s political landscape, necessitating decisive action and international collaboration.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
