US border crisis continues to grow, leaving some cities at a standstill on the brink of collapse, an unprecedented wave of drug violence erupted in Ecuador. This new development could spark a larger crisis at the U.S. southern border. Ecuador's President Daniel Novoa has declared that an armed conflict has broken out in the country.
How do we arrive at this terrifying scenario? Ecuador's modern port infrastructure, dollarization of the economy, social inequality, and high levels of corruption have created a perfect storm resulting in a significant increase in drug trafficking and organized crime. The country's murder rate is 45 per 100,000 people, the highest in Latin America.
10 years Rafael Correa's The left-wing government (2007-2017) did not solve the problem. His administration closed the door on the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Cuban advisors arrived, strategic alliances were formed with criminals, and law enforcement stopped pursuing drug traffickers and instead pursued political opponents.
Correa is anti-American ideology This led to the closure of the US military base in Manta. The ports were exposed and drug traffickers were able to enter without restrictions or restrictions. Once they were in, they never came out.
Less than two months after taking office, President Daniel Novoa responded to this tragedy with courage and determination, declaring an all-out war on narco-terrorism. The measures also include prison terms for criminals, including corrupt politicians and judges. At least 22 criminal organizations are among the top targets of his plan to restore security and peace to 17 million Ecuadorians.
The government restored control of the prison and released the kidnapped prison staff. The military and police are risking their lives to advance the fight against criminals and terrorists (or drug traffickers, as Novoa calls them). Approximately 2,000 highly dangerous actors have been arrested as part of the nascent mission.
Ecuador also said no to the old one. “Russian military junk”. Novoa announced that it would exchange Russian supplies for advanced American weapons. The exchange value is estimated at $200 million.
There are many local initiatives, but local support is key. The crisis Ecuador is experiencing is painful and involves neighboring and other countries. Colombia, Peru, Brazil, and even Mexico should and can cooperate in efforts to apprehend drug traffickers and extradite criminals. Intelligence and coordination are also important.
Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Rick Durbin (D-Ill.) Senator Scott (R-Fla.) bipartisan statement Support the Ecuadorian people and government. The statement noted that Ecuador is a strong ally and partner of the United States in combating the national wave of violence perpetrated by gangs and drug cartels.
“Ecuador faces significant challenges in confronting criminal drug cartels seeking to destroy the country's stability, and the United States stands unequivocally with our Ecuadorian ally in efforts to ensure perpetrators are held accountable.” says the statement.
State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller announced Senior U.S. officials, including Laura Richerson, commander of U.S. Southern Command, announced they will visit Ecuador in the coming weeks to explore ways to work together more effectively to counter the threat of transnational criminal organizations. Additionally, the United States will increase information sharing, cooperation to combat malicious cyber activity, and support for implementing prison reform.
Ecuador's new president is doing everything he can to meet this extraordinary challenge. His administration is committed to giving no truce to corrupt people and not making shady deals with criminals. Nevertheless, resources, political support and time will be the main challenges going forward.
The world is already facing multiple conflicts, but the crisis in Ecuador demands close attention. A deeper immigration crisis and a massive increase in drug trafficking are just some of the many consequences of ignoring this situation.
Resources and leadership are key in Ecuador. Don't forget this Latin American country. Its success is fundamental to the security of the United States and the entire hemisphere.
Arturo McFields Yescas is an exiled journalist, former OAS Ambassador to Nicaragua, and former member of the Norwegian Peace Corps.
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