Ecuador’s Noboa Closes Borders Amid Rising Violence Ahead of Election

Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa has closed borders for three days amid rising violence from armed groups, coinciding with the presidential election. He is enhancing military presence and has previously labeled certain individuals as “narco-terrorists.” Noboa aims to tackle drug-related violence that has notably affected Ecuador in recent years.

Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has ordered the closure of the nation’s borders for three days, coinciding with the initial round of the presidential election on Sunday, in which he is a candidate. This decision is a response to perceived threats from armed groups, as he announced on his social media account, X. During this period, military presence in border areas will be enhanced, and ports will be militarized to maintain security.

In November 2023, Daniel Noboa, the son of a prominent banana magnate, assumed the presidency to finish the remaining term of Guillermo Lasso, who resigned amidst corruption allegations. Ecuador, struggling with significant violence due to drug trafficking, saw an alarming rise in crime rates, with a homicide rate peaking at 47 per 100,000 residents in 2023. The country, previously a safe haven, has become a key player in the drug trade, exacerbated by gang conflicts and a resurgence of violence.

As Ecuador approaches a pivotal presidential election, President Noboa’s decision to close borders underscores the escalating threat of violence attributed to criminal organizations. His administration claims to have reduced the homicide rate through emergency measures. The electoral contest between Noboa and his rival, Luisa Gonzalez, will be crucial in addressing the ongoing internal security challenges in the nation.

Original Source: www.voanews.com