 |
Source: Americas Quarterly |
|
Few facts about Equador |
Ecuador is bordered by Colombia, Peru, and the Pacific Ocean. It used to be a Spanish colony. Spanish is the official language. |
The state’s economy relies a lot on exports. These are mostly oil, food (bananas, cocoa, shrimp) and tourism. This makes Ecuador vulnerable to external shocks. Plus, there are regional inequalities. They are mostly seen between rural and urban areas. Climate change is also a risk for agriculture. The state faces droughts and extreme rainfalls. On top of that, the security situation has worsened. |
Violence reshaping Ecuador |
In recent years, Ecuador has seen an increase of crime groups and violence. It is one of South America’s most violent states. Murder rates rose sharply over the last decade. Last year was the deadliest in Ecuador’s history. There has been over nine thousand people killed. There are often episodes of clashes amongst criminal groups. They commit prison massacres, attacks with explosive, and targeted killings. But it is not just about rivalry between groups. Innocent people are victims of that situation. Residents face extorsion, kidnapping and killings. Young people and women are very vulnerable. As a result, the country faces internal displacement. |
The reasons for this expansion of crime and violence are mostly linked to drugs. Ecuador borders Peru and Colombia. These are two key coca-producing areas. The state has become an export hub for drug trafficking. These drugs are mainly destined for Europe and the U.S. Groups also made alliances with big global groups. These include key Mexican and Colombian drug cartels and Balkans mafias. |
A key turning point was the 2016 peace deal in Colombia. The deal was to demobilize the FARCs in Colombia. But it opened a vacuum in strategic locations for cocaine. Indeed, the FARC used to manage drug routes. Ecuador groups inserted themselves in the supply chain after the peace deal. |
Porous borders and weak institutions also played a key part. Plus, these groups are very difficult to combat. They infiltrated different part of the state like the police and the justice system. These groups use corruption and threats over state’s officials. |
|
|
Dear Reader, |
There’s a strategy behind the Iran war.
I know because I heard it directly.
In a closed-door meeting with a source whose connections run deep into global power networks.
He walked me through the real purpose. The real objective.
And the massive deal tied to it.
I verified every piece.
And what I found confirms it:
This isn’t random. It’s planned. |
Click here to see the strategy behind the Iran war. |
The sooner you understand this…
The better positioned you’ll be. |
Go here now to learn more. |
To your future, |
|
|
Addison Wiggin |
Founder, Grey Swan Investment Fraternity |
|
|
Government’s strategy |
Facing this wave of criminal expansion, the government declared an internal armed conflict two years ago. To tackles this situation, it relies a lot on the military. It has deployed troops along police forces. These troops are present in the streets, prisons, and places hit by crime. The state gave armed forces full political and legal backing for their actions. It also designated 22 groups as terrorists. |
The state of emergency has been declared. There are also periods when the government issues a state of exception that restricts rights. Efforts have been made to reform the prison system, improve intel capabilities, and enhance border security. These measures have led to the arrest of thousands of gang members. But despite its efforts, Ecuador struggles to restore security. |
Partnerships to restore security |
In its fight against these groups, Ecuador has strengthened cooperation with partners. The goal is to fight drug trafficking and organized crime. |
Ecuador and Colombia have been trying to enhance cooperation on that matter. They have made joint operations and shared information. But efforts are still irregular and focused on short-term arrests. They need longer-term common strategies. Indeed, Colombia focuses more on negotiation with criminal groups under its “Total peace” policy. Ecuador on the other hand follows a harder approach. |
In March, Ecuador and the U.S. carried out joint operations to fight drug trafficking. US Air Force personnel had also been deployed 3 months earlier in a former US base. Indeed, the fight against drug trafficking is a key priority for the U.S. Trump and Ecuador’s leader Noboa present themselves as allies. The latter recently published a decree that ensures immunity to foreign personnel that supports Ecuador’s fight. |
The state is also working closely with Europol. Europol is the European international police agency. Europol sent police officers to Ecuador. They help with investigations. The agency is also involved in information sharing. |
|
Fighting these groups and restoring security is crucial for Ecuador. It is crucial for citizens’ safety. It is also crucial for the state’s economy. Indeed, Ecuador relies a lot on exports such as shrimps, bananas, tuna, and flowers. These goods are mostly exported via ports. But criminal groups have infiltrated ports and logistics networks. This has harmed legitimate exporters. It caused shipment delays. But also, reputational risks in global markets. A more secure Ecuador would be viewed as a more reliable commercial partner. |
Decoding geopolitics isn’t a job. It’s survival. |
Joy |
|
Post a Comment
0Comments