Bloody Weekend in Ecuador: Mayor Shot Dead Amid Escalating Violence

A mayor in Ecuador was shot dead on Friday, marking the second killing in just three days. The recent murders of mayors in Ecuador, including the youngest mayor Brigitte Garcia, highlight the escalating violence in the country. This attack is part of an internal armed conflict that the president declared at the national level at the beginning of 2024 against organized crime gangs. The latest victim is Jorge Maldonado, the mayor of Portovelo in southern coastal province of El Oro.

This incident comes shortly after the killing of another mayor, Jose Sanchez, in Azuay province’s canton Camilo Ponce Enriquez. Both municipalities have a significant presence of illegal mining activities and are transit areas for drug trafficking. These areas are prime targets for criminal gangs operating in Ecuador.

The Noboa Government has declared an internal armed conflict and is calling for a referendum to implement reforms in security, justice and employment. The government aims to combat organized crime and increase penalties for crimes related to illegal activities like mining. However with a rising homicide rate and rampant criminal violence, Ecuador is facing significant challenges in maintaining law and order.

The murders of mayors like Maldonado and Sanchez underscore the urgent need for action to tackle organized crime and ensure the safety of all citizens. As such, it is imperative that measures be taken to address this issue head-on if Ecuador is to maintain peace and stability in its communities.