Ecuador is a country facing significant security challenges, especially in the recent period. Following the hostage crisis, President Daniel Noboa launched a military campaign against criminal organizations and gangs. Security problems in the country have increased, especially in combination with the economic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. More than eight thousand violent incidents were recorded in 2023, almost double the previous year, illustrating the country’s inherent instability. The assassination of a presidential candidate last year added a political dimension to the violence.[1]
The government sees the growing activity of cocaine trafficking gangs, in particular, as the main culprit for the violence caused by gangs that have taken advantage of the country’s weak control to grow in power. Gangs in Ecuadorian prisons have taken advantage of the state’s lack of control to expand their power, leading to an increase in prison violence. Authorities see these gang conflicts as a reflection of struggles over prison control. In this context, Ecuador’s security challenges, the growing influence of cocaine trafficking gangs and the economic impact of the pandemic, coupled with weak prison and political control, create a complex picture. President Noboa’s decision to intervene militarily is intended to provide an effective solution to the country’s difficult situation.
Guayaquil is known as Ecuador’s coastal city and is also considered an important center for drug trafficking. The “Phoenix Plan” put forward by the country’s President Noboa has been developed as a strategy that includes various security measures. The main objectives of this plan include creating an intelligence unit, providing tactical weapons to security forces, establishing high-security prisons and increasing security at ports and airports. However, the plan has a cost of 800 million dollars and will provide the Ecuadorian Army with new weapons, with a support of 200 million dollars from the United States of America (USA).
The latest violence in the spotlight was sparked by the news that Adolfo Macias, the leader of the Los Choneros gang, had escaped from prison. Authorities are continuing efforts to find Macias, which has led to violence in at least six prisons since January 9, 2024, with more than 100 guards and other staff held hostage by inmates. The escape of 39 inmates from the prison in Riobamba has also led to significant public security concerns and reduced confidence in the government’s security policies. This crisis, which has put public security at risk, has had a major impact on the Ecuadorian public’s perception of authority.
This also highlights the difficulties in combating drug trafficking and gangs in Ecuador. The “Phoenix Plan” proposed by President Noboa could be an important step to effectively deal with criminal organizations and improve the security situation. These events also emphasize the need for such plans and strategies. In this context, Ecuador’s internal security policies and practices need to be reviewed and strengthened.
The violence spilled onto the streets in the state of Guayas, where Guayaquil is located, killing two policemen and kidnapped policemen have been reported across the country. Noboa stated that the violence was a reaction to a government plan to build a high-security prison for prison leaders. The government declared a 60-day state of emergency on January 9, 2024. This included a national night curfew over a wide area including military patrols and prisons. Noboa recognized that there is an “internal armed conflict” in Ecuador and issued a decree designating various criminal gangs as terrorist groups.
Under the state of emergency, a curfew between 23.00 and 05.00 was announced. However, despite these measures, criminal organizations continued their attacks against the government, kidnapping many police officers and setting fire to police vehicles.[2] In images shared on social media, police officers kidnapped by gang members have made dramatic statements asking President Daniel Noboa for help. This highlights the serious security threat faced by the government in Ecuador. The events deepen a general security crisis in the country and the declaration of a state of emergency was announced to ensure the safety of the population. However, the security situation in Ecuador is further complicated by the continued resistance of criminal organizations to state authority. In this context, the immediate measures taken by the government and their effectiveness are important.
On January 20, 2024, the wife and children of fugitive Adolfo Macias were reportedly deported from Argentina, according to Argentine Security Minister Patricia Bullrich. The Minister explained that Macias’ wife and children were detained at a property in the Cordoba region and extradited to Ecuador. Interior Minister Guillermo Francos stated that Argentina “will not be a haven for criminals”.[3]
The deportation of the family in Argentina has highlighted the need for more effective cooperation and coordination against security threats at the regional level. It has also shown that security policies and measures should be considered not only from a national but also from a regional perspective. The efforts of the two countries in this region, which are facing similar problems, to coordinate their efforts to maintain stability in their own countries, reveal the fact that they can also maintain order in their region in this way.
In conclusion, the security crisis in Ecuador reflects significant challenges in the fight against criminal organizations and gangs. Strategic steps, such as the “Phoenix Plan” put forward by President Noboa, as well as emergency measures, aim to provide an effective solution to the country’s internal security challenges. However, the resilience of criminal organizations and the complexity of the incidents demonstrate the need to address these challenges from a broader perspective.
[1] “What Is Happening in Ecuador And Why Is It So Dangerous Now?”, Reuters, https://t.ly/jmOTl, (Date of Access: 30.01.2024).
[2] “Ekvador, Tarihinin En Yüksek Uyuşturucu İmhasını Gerçekleştirdi”, NTV, https://t.ly/VlVWY, (Date of Access: 30.01.2024).
[3] “Argentina Expels Family of Wanted Ecuadorean Gang Leader”, BBC News, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-68038970,(Date of Access: 30.01.2024).
