Ecuador, unlike its fellow Latin American nations Colombia and Mexico, has historically been relatively stable and peaceful despite the presence of violent drug cartels. However, a recent surge of frightening events on Tuesday serves as a stark reminder of the rapid shifts taking place.
Following the escape of a notorious drug lord from prison, pandemonium ensued. Disguised individuals, both men and boys, disrupted a televised event and threatened reporters with weapons. In other locations, law enforcement officials and prison employees were seized as hostages, blasts were detected, and aggression escalated.
The 36-year-old leader of the country, Daniel Noboa, responded by initiating a strict crackdown, conducting home raids and using violence against individuals believed to be involved in drug gangs. Noboa, who took over after his political opponent was assassinated, has made a commitment to address the issue. However, what are the consequences of these actions?
Tom Phillips, the Latin America correspondent for The Guardian, discusses with Nosheen Iqbal the impact of both the pandemic and the increased demand for cocaine in Europe on Ecuador’s descent into turmoil. He also examines the devastating effects on the people of Ecuador, who are living in constant fear, facing violence, and experiencing instability that has caused some to flee their country entirely.
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Source: theguardian.com
