President Daniel Noboa of Ecuador has closed the nation’s borders for three days ahead of the presidential election amidst rising violence from armed groups. Noboa announced the enhanced military presence at the borders following the arrest of individuals linked to organized crime. The country faces severe challenges from drug trafficking gangs, with homicide rates having reached alarming levels. The upcoming election is pivotal for Noboa and his political future.
Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has announced a closure of the country’s borders for three days, commencing on Saturday and coinciding with the first round of the presidential election on Sunday, in which he is a candidate. This measure, which Noboa described on his social media platform, is a response to threats of destabilization from armed groups.
In his statement, President Noboa indicated that military presence would be intensified in border areas, and he ordered the immediate militarization of the ports. This decision comes in light of the recent arrest of twelve individuals in military and police attire allegedly linked to narco-terrorism, during his campaign activities for reelection.
Noboa, who assumed presidency in November 2023 following Guillermo Lasso’s early resignation amid corruption allegations, has faced escalating violence in Ecuador. In January 2024, he declared an “internal armed conflict” after a notorious drug lord escaped from prison, triggering a surge in criminal activity and violence.
Ecuador, previously seen as a relatively safe haven between major producer nations Peru and Colombia, has become entrenched in violent gang conflicts. Various criminal organizations operating within the nation contribute to widespread insecurity, with homicide rates soaring to unprecedented levels, reaching 47 per 100,000 population in 2023.
The Noboa administration has implemented several states of emergency and military deployments in the streets to address this violence, successfully lowering the homicide rate to 38 per 100,000 by 2024. In the forthcoming election, President Noboa is set to face his opposition, including left-wing lawyer Luisa Gonzalez and indigenous leader Leonidas Iza, in a critical electoral contest.
The political landscape in Ecuador has been dramatically altered over recent months as President Daniel Noboa grapples with rising violence and insecurity fueled by gang activity. The country, which has transitioned from stability to turmoil amid drug trafficking issues, finds Noboa trying to safeguard the electoral process while combating threats from organized crime. His recent declarations reflect a critical juncture for both his presidency and the stability of Ecuador.
In summary, President Daniel Noboa’s closure of Ecuador’s borders illustrates measures to maintain order amid tumultuous electoral conditions and escalating violence from armed groups. With significant military actions underway and the country experiencing unprecedented crime rates, the upcoming elections will be crucial for Noboa and his opponents. His administration is under significant pressure to address safety concerns while maintaining electoral integrity.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
