Situation Report: Internal Conflict in Ecuador
On January 8, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa declared a state of emergency following the escape of the country’s most dangerous drug lord from prison and an increase in associated unrest nationwide, including amongst penitentiaries. The state of emergency will last for 60 days. The military will be deployed to combat criminal groups responsible for spreading violence, a curfew has been established, and the right to assembly has been paused. Law enforcement officials from the United States have been sent to Ecuador to collaborate with the government to prevent the growth of transnational criminal organizations in light of José Adolfo Macías Villamar’s escape.
