Ecuador on Brink of Collapse as Gangs Gain Control

QUITO, ECUADOR - Ecuador is facing a historic low in security and stability as gangs gain control and the government struggles to respond. The country’s fragile state has been weakened by years of corruption, mismanagement, and neglect, leaving it vulnerable to criminal activity.

Crisis Deepens Under Current Administration

According to experts and insiders, the situation is dire, with organized crime groups infiltrating all levels of government and law enforcement. The police force is plagued by corruption and inefficiency, while the judiciary is often complicit in allowing criminals to go free.

Origins of the Crisis

The crisis began during the tenure of former President Rafael Correa, who weakened Ecuador’s capacity to combat transnational narcotrafficking and allowed gangs to transform themselves into cultural associations if they left behind violence. However, his successor, Lenin Moreno, failed to address the issue, instead focusing on purging Correa’s loyalists from government.

Current Situation

The current president, Guillermo Lasso, has also struggled to make progress, despite introducing cosmetic measures such as legalizing individual gun ownership and declaring some criminal groups terrorist organizations. His own administration has been rocked by allegations of corruption, with an investigation into mafia ties to his inner circle.

• The military, traditionally a pillar of stability in Ecuador, has been implicated in criminal activity.
• The navy has been hit with multiple scandals related to alleged collusions with organized crime groups.

Experts Warn of Catastrophic Consequences

Experts warn that if left unchecked, the situation could spiral out of control, leading to a failed state within 10 years. The upcoming general elections are seen as crucial in determining Ecuador’s future, but so far, few candidates have presented comprehensive plans to address the crisis.

“This is not just a security issue, it’s a matter of national sovereignty,” said one adviser to Foreign Minister Juan Carlos Holguin. “If we don’t change course quickly, Ecuador could become a failed state.”

Conclusion

The situation in Ecuador serves as a stark reminder of the importance of effective governance and the dangers of corruption and neglect. As the country teeters on the brink of collapse, it remains to be seen whether its leaders can find a way out of this crisis before it’s too late.