From Peaceful to Violent: The Rise of Organized Crime in Ecuador and the Mano Dura Response
In 2019, Ecuador was considered a peaceful tourist destination with a homicide rate of under seven per 100,000, similar to that of the United States. However, by 2023, the homicide rate had skyrocketed to almost 45 per 100,000, making it the deadliest country in mainland Latin America. Durán in Ecuador was labeled as the world’s most violent city, with a murder rate of 148 per 100,000 in the previous year. The increase in violence in Ecuador can be attributed to the rise of organized crime, particularly focused on smuggling cocaine from Colombia to Europe through Ecuadorian ports. This surge in violence is not limited to Ecuador, as other countries in Latin America are also experiencing similar issues with transnational criminal groups expanding their operations.
In response to the escalating violence, governments in the region have adopted mano dura policies, characterized by strict and often heavy-handed measures to combat crime. These policies include declaring states of emergency, mass incarceration without discrimination and deploying the military to maintain order on the streets. These tactics have been inspired by perceived successes of similar strategies in El Salvador where President Nayib Bukele declared a state of emergency following a weekend where over 87 people were killed by gangs resulting in an incarceration of nearly 85% of those arrested without discrimination. This led to a significant drop in homicide rates and an increase in popularity for President Bukele’s government.
Following this trend President Daniel Noboa proposed tougher anti-crime measures which were overwhelmingly supported by Ecuadorians through referendums held on April 21st . These measures include lifting constitutional ban on extradition of criminals allowing army permanent patrol streets and prisons and eliminating possibility for early release for well-behaved prisoners . With these new measures implemented ,Ecuador hopes to curb rising violence restoring safety and security for its citizens.
