People stand outside the Plaza Garibaldi metro station closed following a violence outbreak a day after Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa declared a 60-day state of emergency following the disappearance of Adolfo Macias, leader of the Los Choneros criminal gang from the prison where he was serving a 34-year sentence, in Guayaquil, Ecuador, January 9, 2024. REUTERS/Vicente Gaibor del Pino
Ecuador is currently grappling with an upsurge in violence, prompting President Daniel Noboa to initiate a military crackdown on criminal gangs. The situation escalated when these groups took over 100 prison staff hostage, and armed individuals dramatically interrupted a live television broadcast. President Noboa, who assumed office in November, has pledged to address the issue of violence, particularly as drug trafficking gangs increasingly use Ecuador for cocaine transportation.
The deterioration of security in Ecuador is attributed to various factors, including the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the nation’s economy. The government reported a significant increase in violent deaths to 8,008 in 2023, nearly double the figure from 2022. Violence spilled into the political sphere last year with the assassination of an anti-corruption presidential candidate. Authorities attribute the worsening security situation to the expanding influence of cocaine trafficking gangs, leading to destabilization in various regions of South America.
Within Ecuador’s prisons, these gangs exploit the state’s weak control, resulting in heightened violence. Gang-related clashes for control within prisons have become more frequent, leading to numerous deaths. Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest coastal city, is particularly affected, serving as a hub for drug smuggling.
President Noboa has introduced the “Phoenix Plan” for security, encompassing the establishment of a new intelligence unit, equipping security forces with tactical weapons, constructing high-security prisons, and reinforcing security measures at ports and airports. The estimated cost of this plan is $800 million, with $200 million in new weapons for Ecuador’s army being provided by the United States.
The recent escalation of violence is attributed to the disappearance of Adolfo Macias, the leader of the Los Choneros criminal gang, from prison. Incidents of violence occurred in multiple prisons, with over 100 guards and staff being held hostage. Street violence ensued, resulting in casualties, including the killing of two police officers in Guayas province. President Noboa attributes the violence to his government’s plans to build a new high-security prison for gang leaders.
In response, President Noboa declared a 60-day state of emergency, allowing for military patrols, including in prisons, and implementing a national nighttime curfew. He characterized the situation as an “internal armed conflict” and identified several criminal gangs, including Los Choneros, as terrorist groups. The armed forces have been tasked with neutralizing these groups, resulting in numerous arrests. The president’s coalition, comprising center-left, center-right, and centrist groups, holds a majority in the National Assembly, and plans for a security-focused plebiscite later in the year. This plebiscite aims to seek public opinion on issues such as the extradition of Ecuadoreans wanted abroad and the seizure of assets from suspected criminals.
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