In 2019, Ecuador was considered a peaceful tourist destination with a homicide rate of under seven per 100,000, similar to that of the United States. However, by 2023, the homicide rate had skyrocketed to almost 45 per 100,000, making it the deadliest country in mainland Latin America. The surge in violence can be attributed to the rise of organized crime, particularly focused on smuggling cocaine from Colombia to Europe through Ecuadorian ports.
In response to the escalating violence and other countries experiencing similar issues with transnational criminal groups expanding their operations, governments in the region have adopted mano dura policies characterized by strict and often heavy-handed measures to combat crime. These policies include declaring states of emergency, mass incarceration without discrimination, and deploying the military to maintain order on the streets.
President Daniel Noboa of Ecuador proposed tougher anti-crime measures that were overwhelmingly supported by Ecuadorians in a referendum held on April 21st. These measures include overturning a constitutional ban on the extradition of criminals and allowing the army to permanently patrol streets and prisons. With these new measures in place, Ecuador hopes to curb rising violence and restore a sense of safety and security for its citizens.
