New President Noboa has promised swift action to bring them under control
New President Noboa has fulfilled his promise of swift action to bring an end to the reign of terror at Ecuadorian prisons, as all prison staff held hostage by inmates have been freed. The SNAI prisons agency has confirmed that following military operations over the weekend, a total of 158 guards and 20 administrative staffers were rescued. This comes as a significant win for President Noboa, who took office in January with the goal of combating the escalating security crisis in the country.
The hostage situation began last Monday when inmates in at least seven prisons across Ecuador took prison staff captive. The crisis resulted in the tragic death of a guard during an armed confrontation with inmates at the El Oro province prison on Saturday. However, President Noboa praised the successful release of the prison staff and commended the efforts of the SNAI, police, and armed forces.
In an effort to restore order, Ecuador’s police and military were seen conducting operations inside the prisons. Photos showed shirtless prisoners on their knees with their hands on their heads as the soldiers took back control of the institutions, putting an end to the crisis.
While the release of the hostages is a significant achievement, tensions remain high as gangs revolt against the newly imposed state of emergency. As a result, businesses remain closed, and prisoners are still missing across the country.
President Noboa, who campaigned on a platform to tackle drug gangs, has faced numerous challenges since assuming office. His declaration of 22 gangs as terrorist groups and the subsequent state of emergency have triggered violent responses from the criminal organizations. Gang violence has manifested through the seizure of a television news studio, attacks on a university, and even prison escapes. However, the tide appears to be turning as security forces have arrested over 1,000 individuals since the state of emergency was enacted.
Ecuador has long struggled with the presence of violent gangs within its borders, exacerbated by the weakened economy and reduced employment opportunities due to the pandemic. The rise in violent deaths last year further highlights the urgent need for effective security measures.
President Noboa’s renaissance Phoenix Plan for security in Ecuador aims to address these issues. The plan includes the designation of 20,000 people as members of terrorist groups, the establishment of a new intelligence unit, the provision of tactical weapons to security forces, the construction of high-security prisons, and enhanced security measures at ports. With an estimated cost of $800 million, these security upgrades demonstrate President Noboa’s commitment to combating the rampant gang violence.
Looking ahead, President Noboa plans to hold a plebiscite on future security matters, including the extradition of criminals, to involve the public in shaping the country’s security policies.
While the road to restoring order remains challenging, the successful rescue of the prison staff marks a crucial step forward for Ecuador. President Noboa’s determination and decisive actions in addressing the security crisis have shown his commitment to fulfilling his promises and ensuring the safety and well-being of Ecuadorian citizens.
