Highlights
- Ecuador declares a 60-day state of emergency in response to escalating violence.
- Incidents of violence reported in prisons and cities, including kidnappings and explosions.
- President Noboa identifies criminal gangs as terrorist groups, refuses to negotiate with them.
Ecuador is currently facing a severe crisis as violence has escalated across the country. President Noboa has declared a 60-day state of emergency to address the situation. The violence began in prisons, with over 150 guards and staff taken hostage and 39 inmates escaping from a prison in Riobamba. This unrest quickly spread to the streets, leading to the kidnapping of seven police officers and several explosions in different cities.
President Noboa, determined to tackle this crisis head-on, has stated that the violence is a response to his government’s plans to construct a new high-security prison for gang leaders. In a decisive move, he has identified several criminal gangs, including Los Choneros, as terrorist groups and has ordered the armed forces to neutralize them. This approach indicates a firm stance against negotiating with what he labels as “terrorists.”
The government’s actions have stirred mixed reactions among Ecuadorians. While some support the measures, others question why President Noboa is not taking even harsher steps against the gangs. Adding to the complexity, Noboa plans to hold a security-focused plebiscite later this year, seeking public opinion on reversing the ban on the extradition of Ecuadorians wanted abroad and allowing asset seizures from suspected criminals.
This period marks a challenging and pivotal moment for Ecuador as it navigates through these turbulent times.