Why has Ecuador's President declared a new state of emergency?
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Synopsis
Ecuador faces escalating violence from organized crime, prompting President Daniel Noboa to declare a new state of emergency across multiple provinces. This urgent measure aims to restore public safety and address grave unrest. Discover the implications of this decision and its potential impact on the nation.
Key Takeaways
- State of emergency declared for 60 days in multiple regions.
- Security forces are given enhanced powers to maintain order.
- The measure is a response to rising violence from organized crime.
- Prior states of emergency had been in place due to ongoing unrest.
- Judicial officials are facing unprecedented danger in the country.
Quito, Nov 6 (NationPress) The President of Ecuador, Daniel Noboa, has announced a new 60-day state of emergency affecting five coastal provinces and three municipalities in the central regions of Cotopaxi and Bolivar. This measure is aimed at addressing the serious internal turmoil triggered by rampant violence linked to organized crime.
The decree, signed on Tuesday and set to commence on Wednesday, empowers security forces to conduct home searches without warrants and suspends the right to private communication and correspondence in the provinces of Manabi, Guayas, Santa Elena, Los Rios, and El Oro, all situated in the coastal region.
The initiative also encompasses the municipalities of La Mana in Cotopaxi, along with Las Naves and Echeandia in Bolivar, as part of efforts to bolster security and restore public order in areas severely affected by violent crime, as reported by Xinhua News Agency.
These regions were previously under a state of emergency declared in August, which was extended for an additional 30 days on October 6.
In early October, a judge in Ecuador was tragically shot dead in the town of Montecristi, located in the western Manabi province, where violent crime has escalated, according to local news sources.
The victim, Judge Marcos Mendoza, was fatally shot outside a school as he was dropping off his children, as per accounts from his family. Preliminary investigations suggest that an armed assailant on a motorcycle approached the judge and opened fire.
Law enforcement officials have cordoned off the area and are gathering ballistic evidence as part of their investigation.
The judge was reportedly linked to an ongoing money laundering investigation by the Attorney General's Office, as stated in the report.
Over a dozen individuals connected to this case are facing prosecution, including Jose Adolfo Macias Villamar, known as 'Fito,' who is the principal drug trafficker in the country and the leader of the organized crime group Los Choneros.
The Ecuadorian Judges' Association has condemned Mendoza's murder, urging for a comprehensive investigation and immediate measures to safeguard judicial officials.
Since 2022, at least 15 judges or prosecutors have been killed in Ecuador, according to Human Rights Watch.
Point of View
My stance remains firmly aligned with the nation's need for safety and security. The situation demands urgent action, and the government’s response reflects a commitment to restoring order in the face of rising violence. It is crucial that the administration also prioritizes the protection of judicial officials and implements effective measures to combat organized crime.
NationPress
06/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas are affected by the state of emergency?
The state of emergency applies to five coastal provinces: Manabi, Guayas, Santa Elena, Los Rios, and El Oro, along with municipalities in Cotopaxi and Bolivar.
What powers does the state of emergency grant to security forces?
It allows security forces to search homes without a warrant and suspends the right to private communication and correspondence.
What triggered this state of emergency?
The declaration comes in response to severe internal unrest caused by escalating violence from organized crime.
How many judges have been killed in Ecuador since 2022?
At least 15 judges or prosecutors have been killed in Ecuador since 2022, highlighting the severe risks faced by judicial officials.
Who was the judge killed recently?
Judge Marcos Mendoza was shot dead in Montecristi, and he was involved in a money laundering investigation.
