Ecuador’s President Noboa has closed the borders for three days ahead of his presidential election to combat threats from armed groups. He is enhancing military presence in border areas amid rising violence linked to drug trafficking. Noboa aims to reassure public safety as he faces his left-wing opponent and other candidates in the upcoming election.
Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has announced the closure of the country’s borders for three days, starting Saturday, ahead of the presidential election in which he is a candidate. The decision aims to deter destabilization efforts by armed groups, as indicated in his social media statement. He also plans to reinforce military presence in border zones and to militarize ports immediately to ensure security during this critical time.
On the campaign trail for his reelection, Noboa reported the arrest of 12 individuals dressed as police and army personnel, armed with rifles and ammunition, alongside a drone. These arrests highlighted his concerns regarding “narco-terrorists” attempting to undermine national stability. Since assuming office in November 2023 under extraordinary circumstances, Noboa has faced significant challenges stemming from drug-related violence.
Ecuador has seen a surge in organized crime, driven by at least twenty gangs involved in drug trafficking, kidnapping, and extortion, significantly affecting its population of 17 million. Once considered a peaceful nation due to its geographical location between Peru and Colombia, it has recently become a major conduit for drug shipments, resulting in unparalleled levels of violence. The homicide rate surged to 47 per 100,000 people in 2023.
In response to this crisis, the Noboa administration has enacted states of emergency, deploying military forces to the streets, which reportedly reduced the homicide rate to 38 by the beginning of 2024. The upcoming election on Sunday will see Noboa face off against his left-wing opponent, lawyer Luisa Gonzalez, in the first round of voting, following his previous victory in October with 52.1% of the votes, alongside other candidates like indigenous leader Leonidas Iza.
In recent years, Ecuador has shifted from being a safe haven to a nexus for drug trafficking, exacerbated by gang conflicts that have led to soaring levels of violence. President Noboa took office underscoring the urgency to combat rising crime, especially after declaring the nation in a state of “internal armed conflict” due to a powerful criminal escape. His administration’s strategies involve military intervention to regain control over crime-ridden territories as the nation approaches pivotal elections.
President Daniel Noboa’s decision to close Ecuador’s borders during the presidential election is a direct response to increasing threats from armed groups. The heightened security measures reflect the government’s ongoing battle against drug cartels and the associated violence that has plagued the country. Noboa aims to ensure electoral integrity while addressing the critical issues of public safety and organized crime as he seeks reelection.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
