In Ecuador, Latin America’s Most Violent Country, Homicides Are Falling Again

In Ecuador, homicide rates have plummeted by 19% this year, marking a major step in dismantling organized crime.

From January 1 to July 21, 2024, violent deaths decreased nationally to 3,369 from last year’s 4,143.

This period mirrors the tenure of President Daniel Noboa, who has presided over a 23% drop in intentional homicides—a reduction of 1,279 incidents compared to the prior year.

Manta, a coastal city in the western province of Manabí, experienced a dramatic 66% reduction in intentional homicides since coming under military governance on June 6.

This city’s narrative is a testament to the effectiveness of targeted military control in curbing violence.

Amidst these developments, seven additional provinces and one canton have been placed under a state of emergency since May 22.

This measure was a response to escalating violence from drug trafficking gangs, indicating a broader struggle against organized crime that extends beyond Manta’s borders.

Ecuador’s broader security landscape has been under severe scrutiny since President Noboa declared an “internal armed conflict” against 22 criminal gangs earlier in the year.

These gangs, labeled as “terrorists,” have been central to the surge in national violence.

Background

In 2023, Ecuador surpassed Venezuela as the Latin American country with the highest murder rate.

Renato Rivera, a crime observatory coordinator, reported this shift. In 2022, Ecuador’s murder rate reached 25.7 per 100,000 people.

This number was the nation’s highest on record. The increase focused mainly in Esmeraldas, Guayaquil, and Los Ríos.

By September, Ecuador’s rate had climbed to 42.8. In contrast, Venezuela’s rate was slightly lower at 40.8. Honduras followed with a rate of 35.1.