Vantage | How crime lords came to dominate Ecuador and why it matters

Of late, Ecuador has found itself grappling with a new and terrifying reality – one marked by rampant crime, daring attacks on live television and a government declaring a state of emergency. The events unfolding in Ecuador reveal a multifaceted crisis that extends beyond isolated incidents of violence.

Shocking television studio assault On a seemingly ordinary Tuesday, Ecuador’s largest TV channel, T-C Channel, experienced an unprecedented intrusion during a live broadcast. Masked assailants stormed the studio, brandishing firearms and holding the staff and presenters hostage. The incident, captured on live television until the feed was abruptly cut, left viewers in shock and raised urgent questions about the security and stability of the nation. Police response Swiftly responding to the crisis, the Ecuadorian police executed a special operation to free the hostages. Thirteen attackers were apprehended, but not without consequences – two employees sustained injuries during the rescue. The deputy director of the news programme, Jorge Rendon, recounted the harrowing experience, shedding light on the assailants’ motive to control the narrative through the TV channel. “Through our earpieces, the producers told us, ‘Be careful, they are trying to enter, they are stealing, they are mugging us’. The doors in the studio are very thick, almost bullet-proofed. And they were trying to get in because they wanted to gain access to the studio so we would say whatever they wanted us to say,” said Rendon. Connecting the dots The roots of Ecuador’s current turmoil can be traced back to the escape of a notorious crime lord known as “Fito.” His escape from prison triggered a chain reaction leading to the takeover of prisons, kidnapping of police officers and attacks on vehicles. The incident at the TV studio appears to be part of a larger pattern of lawlessness gripping the nation. Two key factors have contributed to the rise of gangs and crime lords in Ecuador. Firstly, its geographical location sandwiched between cocaine-producing countries Colombia and Peru has made it susceptible to the influence of cartels and drug lords. Secondly, the economic decline exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic has left a significant portion of the population in poverty with a stark rural-urban divide. The United Nations has identified poverty as the primary driver of the surging violence with alarming statistics indicating a sharp increase in violent deaths. Gangs, once isolated, have now united against a common enemy – the government. Government response and path ahead In response to the escalating crisis, Ecuador’s president declared a 60-day state of emergency, aiming to neutralise the gangs. The military, backed by a substantial budget increase — including $200 million from the US — is poised for an all-out war against the criminal elements. “From this moment, all terrorist groups identified in the President’s decree is a military target. The present and the future of our homeland is at stake. And no act of terror will make us give up. We will not step back nor negotiate – (public) good, justice and order can’t ask for permission or bow their head in front of terrorists," said Armed Forces Joined Commando Chief Admiral Jaime Vela. The president’s commitment to restoring order underscores the gravity of the situation. Potential fallout and regional impact As Ecuador braces for a comprehensive campaign against gang violence, the potential fallout extends beyond its borders. Businesses are shutting down out of fear, triggering financial troubles. Thousands have fled the country creating a refugee crisis with implications for neighbouring nations particularly the United States. Peru has declared a border emergency to prevent spillover effects. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views. Read all the Latest News , Trending News , Cricket News , Bollywood News , India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.