Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa has ordered a three-day closure of the country’s borders amid fears of possible destabilization ahead of the presidential election. He has also bolstered military presence in border regions due to rising violence from drug gangs. Noboa faces competition in the elections, which follow a recent history of turmoil and insecurity related to drug trafficking.
Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has declared the closure of the nation’s borders for a period of three days, coinciding with the first round of the presidential election in which he is a candidate. The closure will be effective from Saturday, February 8, through Monday, February 10, in response to concerns over potential destabilization by armed groups. Noboa made this announcement on his social media platform on Monday.
Daniel Noboa, who is 37 years old, ascended to the presidency in November 2023 to complete the remaining term of his predecessor, Guillermo Lasso. Under Lasso’s leadership, early elections were called amidst ongoing corruption allegations. Following the escape of a notorious drug lord from prison in January 2024, Noboa declared an “internal armed conflict” due to the intensifying violence linked to drug trafficking in Ecuador, which has transformed from a safe haven to a significant logistical hub for narcotics.
The closure of borders and the militarization of border areas signify President Noboa’s firm stance against the rising threats posed by organized crime in Ecuador. With the country facing unprecedented violence, marked by a record-high homicide rate, the Noboa administration seeks to assert control ahead of a critical electoral showdown against rivals including left-wing lawyer Luisa Gonzalez. Safety concerns dominate the political landscape as Ecuador grapples with ongoing drug-related challenges.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
