Ecuador Appoints New Police Commander Amid Historic Security Crisis

President Daniel Noboa of Ecuador appointed General Pablo Dávila as the new Commander of the National Police last Friday. The change comes as Ecuador battles its worst security crisis in history, with homicide rates soaring to unprecedented levels.

The appointment follows a day of unusual leadership shuffling. Noboa first removed General Víctor Hugo Zárate, then temporarily appointed General Wilson Pavón before finalizing Dávila’s position.

The president made these decisions while on an official visit to the United Arab Emirates. General Dávila previously commanded Police Zone 8, covering Guayaquil, Durán, and Samborondón.

These coastal areas represent some of Ecuador‘s most violent regions, where criminal organizations battle for territorial control and drug trafficking routes. Ecuador’s security situation has deteriorated dramatically in recent years.

The country’s homicide rate jumped from 6.7 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2020 to 44.5 currently. This makes Ecuador more violent than Mexico, El Salvador, and Honduras, with the highest murder rate in South America.

The first quarter of 2025 became the most violent period in Ecuador’s recent history with 2,361 recorded deaths. This represents a 65% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Children face particular danger, with child homicides increasing by 640% since 2019.

Ecuador Faces Escalating Violence and Security Challenges

In January 2024, Noboa declared an “internal armed conflict” after criminal groups caused nationwide chaos. They shot civilians, planted explosives, took prison guards hostage, and even raided a television station during a live broadcast.

The president designated 22 criminal organizations as terrorist groups and deployed military forces. Initial security measures showed limited success. Homicides decreased by approximately 17% in 2024 compared to 2023.

However, violence surged again in early 2025, presenting immense challenges for the new police commander. Human rights organizations have expressed concerns about potential rights violations under Ecuador’s militarized approach to security.

The crisis continues to displace Ecuadorians, who now represent the second largest population intercepted in the dangerous Darien Gap migration route after Venezuelans.

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