Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has announced a three-day closure of the country’s borders, beginning on February 8, coinciding with the first round of the presidential election. This action is a response to threats from armed groups, and military forces are being deployed to enhance security. Violence from drug trafficking has escalated, prompting Noboa’s declaration of internal armed conflict as the nation faces challenges from competing political candidates.
Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has mandated the closure of the country’s borders for three days, coinciding with the presidential election’s first round on Sunday, of which he is a candidate. This measure, commencing Saturday, February 8, aims to thwart alleged destabilization efforts by armed groups, as stated in Noboa’s social media announcement. In conjunction with the border closure, the military presence will be heightened in border territories, and ports will be militarized immediately.
During his campaign, President Noboa reported the apprehension of twelve individuals dressed in military and police attire, who were found with firearms, ammunition, and a drone. He described these individuals as “narco-terrorists” intending to undermine the nation’s stability. This incident reflects the ongoing crisis pertaining to violence and drug trafficking in Ecuador, characterized by a significant increase in criminal activity.
Daniel Noboa, aged 37, succeeded to the presidency in November 2023, inheriting an 18-month term following Guillermo Lasso’s early resignation amid corruption allegations. In January 2024, Noboa asserted that Ecuador was experiencing “internal armed conflict” due to escalating violence triggered by the escape of a notorious drug lord. The country has seen the emergence of at least twenty criminal gangs involved in drug trafficking, kidnapping, and extortion, contributing to a dire security situation.
Ecuador, with a population of 17 million, previously perceived as a secure region between cocaine-producing nations, Colombia and Peru, has increasingly become a hub for drug logistics. The violence has surged, resulting in a record homicide rate of 47 per 100,000 people in 2023. The Noboa administration has implemented states of emergency and military deployments to combat this rise in violence, reporting a decrease to 38 homicides per 100,000 people in 2024.
President Noboa is set to compete against his left-wing challenger, lawyer Luisa Gonzalez, in the upcoming election following his previous victory with 52.1% of the votos in October 2023. The election’s backdrop includes his challenge of internal security, as Ecuador navigates a complex landscape of gang violence and political instability, marked by the candidacy of indigenous leader Leonidas Iza as well.
Ecuador is facing significant political and social challenges related to violence and drug trafficking, exacerbated by the activities of armed gangs. President Daniel Noboa’s recent measures, including the border closure and militarization, highlight the urgency of addressing national security concerns. The context of Ecuador’s evolving relationship with drug cartels and the rising homicide rate illustrates a complex situation that intertwines governance, public safety, and the upcoming electoral landscape. The political environment in Ecuador further complicates these challenges, given Noboa’s recent election and the changing dynamics with his opponents. As the country prepares for the presidential election, the intersection of security issues and democratic processes remains critical in shaping Ecuador’s future.
In summary, President Daniel Noboa’s decision to close Ecuador’s borders and increase military presence in the face of threats from armed groups reflects a proactive approach to ensuring national security ahead of the presidential elections. Ecuador’s challenges with drug-related violence and political instability underscore the significance of the upcoming electoral contest, where Noboa faces challenges from notable political figures. As the nation grapples with its security crisis, the electoral outcome will be pivotal in determining its trajectory moving forward.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
