Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa announced the closure of the country’s borders for three days ahead of the presidential election, citing threats from armed groups. The government aims to increase military presence to counter destabilization attempts and reduce violence related to drug trafficking and organized crime. Noboa, who took office in November 2023, is seeking re-election against lawyer Luisa Gonzalez and indigenous leader Leonidas Iza.
Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has announced the closure of the country’s borders for three days, coinciding with the first round of the presidential election. This measure, effective from Saturday, February 8 to Monday, February 10, aims to address destabilization attempts by armed groups. President Noboa revealed this decision via his social media account, underscoring the seriousness of the threat to national security.
To bolster security, President Noboa will increase military presence in border areas and will militarize the nation’s ports. This decision follows the arrest of 12 individuals impersonating police and army personnel, found in possession of weapons and a drone, which the president attributed to “narco-terrorists” trying to undermine the state.
Noboa, who assumed office in November 2023 to complete the term of former president Guillermo Lasso, became aware of a rising tide of violence attributed to organized crime. The country’s issue with drug trafficking and gang activities has escalated dramatically, prompting Noboa to declare an internal armed conflict in January 2024 following a major drug lord’s prison escape.
Ecuador, previously a relatively safe haven amidst larger cocaine-producing nations, has increasingly become a hub for drug trafficking logistics, leading to widespread violence. In 2023, the nation recorded a staggering homicide rate of 47 per 100,000 people, driven largely by competing gangs involved in narcotics and extortion.
In response to this crisis, the Noboa administration implemented states of emergency and army deployments in urban areas, which reportedly reduced the homicide rate to 38 per 100,000 by 2024. President Noboa and his opponent, attorney Luisa Gonzalez, are set to compete again in the upcoming election, following Noboa’s earlier victory with 52.1% of votes in the preceding October election. Indigenous leader Leonidas Iza is also in the running, adding to the electoral competition.
In recent years, Ecuador has witnessed a dramatic increase in drug-related violence. Following its classification as a logistical hub, the country faces challenges with numerous criminal gangs involved in drug trafficking, kidnapping, and extortion. Former President Guillermo Lasso’s decision to call for early elections stemmed from ongoing corruption accusations, leading to Noboa’s accession to power. Since his inauguration, Noboa has encountered significant challenges with internal security and organized crime, prompting urgent responses to curb violence.
In summary, Ecuador faces escalating security challenges as it approaches its presidential elections. President Noboa’s border closure and increased military presence reflect the government’s focus on combating organized crime, particularly in the drug trafficking domain. With ongoing electoral tensions and violence, the upcoming election could shape the country’s future direction in addressing these pressing issues.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
