Ecuador declares a state of emergency due to security crisis and rising violence.

Ecuador is facing one of the most challenging security crises in its recent history, and the recent declaration of a state of emergency in Quito and eight other jurisdictions reflects the urgency and seriousness of the situation. The measure was announced by President Daniel Noboa in the context of rising violence attributed to organized armed groups, which have intensified their activities in the country, especially in the realm of drug trafficking. The state of emergency decree encompasses key provinces such as Guayas, Los Ríos, Manabí, Orellana, Santa Elena, and El Oro, as well as the canton of Camilo Ponce Enríquez in Azuay. However, what has drawn attention this time is the inclusion of Quito, the capital, which has witnessed an alarming increase in crime. The decision to include the capital city is a clear indicator that violence has penetrated the heart of the country, challenging the sense of security that once existed. The figures are concerning. A report from the National Police indicates a significant increase in homicides, with a total of 500 violent deaths recorded since January 2024. Among these, there are notable cases of double and triple murders, as well as incidents in which up to ten victims have been counted in a single attack. This wave of violence not only reveals the brutality of criminal groups but also highlights a terror strategy aimed at destabilizing society and challenging authorities. The state of emergency is accompanied by a curfew that restricts freedom of movement in 20 areas deemed high-risk. This measure, which will be in effect from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., aims to limit mobility during the hours when criminal acts tend to be most frequent. The government argues that this restriction is essential to regain control of the areas most affected by crime. The temporary suspension of certain constitutional rights, such as the freedom of assembly and association, is another measure included in the decree. This action aims to facilitate the work of security forces, which will be authorized to use force in an extraordinary manner in addition to their civil functions. This has sparked a debate about the limits of state intervention and the protection of human rights in an emergency context. The security crisis in Ecuador is not only related to drug trafficking but has also been exacerbated by violence in prisons. Recent reports from the National Comprehensive Care Service for Persons Deprived of Liberty (SNAI) reveal the infiltration of weapons and explosives in penitentiary centers, as well as the connection between criminal activities inside prisons and the crimes committed on the streets. This situation raises questions about the state's capacity to ensure security both inside and outside of prisons. The international community has begun to pay attention to the situation in Ecuador, a country that has transitioned from being a mere transit point for drugs to becoming a key player in global drug trafficking. The complexity of this criminal phenomenon requires a comprehensive response that not only addresses the use of force but also seeks prevention and rehabilitation strategies to dismantle criminal networks. The Noboa government has indicated that the duration of the state of emergency will be 60 days, although there is the possibility of a 30-day extension if the situation requires it. This reflects the changing nature of the security crisis and the need for flexibility in governmental responses. Meanwhile, the Ecuadorian population lives in a state of distress and uncertainty, hoping that these measures will be effective in reversing the trend of violence that has marked the country in recent times. The implementation of a state of emergency in a nation seeking to consolidate its democracy and security is a reminder of the challenges that Ecuador faces in its fight against organized crime and violence. The community longs for a solution that not only addresses the immediate manifestations of violence but also seeks the roots of the problem to build a safer and more stable future.