Latin America in Focus The Durability of Mano Dura in Ecuador
Feb 13, 2025
Vanda Felbab-Brown, a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution, dives into Ecuador's escalating security crisis stemming from the rise of international criminal organizations. She discusses President Daniel Noboa's mano dura approach, highlighting its challenges amid soaring violence. The conversation unveils the complex ties between organized crime and local politics, and why replicating El Salvador's success under Nayib Bukele may be problematic for Ecuador. Tune in for a compelling look at the intersection of crime, security, and governance.
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Ecuador's Security Decline
- Ecuador's security deteriorated due to internal and external factors, like the rise of Mexican cartels and cuts to security budgets.
- These factors created a perfect storm of weakened state, rising domestic criminal groups, and international alliances.
Early Government Efforts
- Early government efforts to combat the rising crime were hampered by corruption and a lack of focus due to economic struggles.
- The Correa government's success with street gangs didn't extend to tackling larger organized crime groups.
Noboa's Mano Dura Approach
- President Noboa, emulating El Salvador's President Bukele, adopted a "Mano Dura" policy centered on military responses.
- Initial results showed a decrease in homicides, but the sustainability is questionable, and human rights concerns arise.