The new most dangerous country in the world: The 'island of peace' nation that spiralled into uncontrolled bloodshed with drug cartels who cut out hearts and send severed heads to their enemies' wives | Daily Mail Online

Ecuador's Descent into Violence

Ecuador, previously considered one of Latin America's safest countries, has experienced a dramatic surge in gang violence in recent years. This escalating crisis is largely attributed to the influence of drug cartels and the increasing demand for cocaine in international markets. The situation has led to a significant rise in homicides, with estimates suggesting a drastic increase from 6.7 per 100,000 people in 2019 to as high as 47 per 100,000 by 2023.

Brutal Acts and Government Response

The violence includes shocking acts such as beheadings, car bombings, public hangings, and hostage-taking. High-profile targets include politicians like presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio, who was assassinated in 2023. Even foreign nationals, like a former British consul and his Colombian mistress, have been victims of kidnapping.

• The government, under President Daniel Noboa, has responded with strong-arm tactics, mirroring El Salvador's approach, including nightly raids on gang strongholds.
• A state of emergency has been declared, granting the government additional powers and deploying the military to prisons to regain control and combat the spread of weapons and drugs.

However, the success of these measures is questionable, with the homicide rate fluctuating and gang activity persistent.

The Underlying Issues

The article highlights several underlying factors contributing to the crisis:

• High demand for drugs internationally.
• Weak law enforcement capabilities.
• Corruption.
• Limited economic opportunities leading to recruitment into criminal groups.
• The government's attempts to quell the violence have been met with criticism, with accusations of authoritarianism and concerns about human rights abuses.

Ultimately, the path to restoring peace requires addressing these underlying issues through comprehensive structural reforms, improved economic opportunities, and a renewed focus on strengthening the rule of law.