Lecture on Security Crisis in Ecuador

Introduction

Speaker: Rebecca Bill Chavez, President and CEO of the Inter-American Dialogue.
Topic: Alarming security crisis in Ecuador.
Audience: 160 people online.

Ecuador facing unprecedented violence and turmoil.
Significant meetings in Quito with the Naboa administration and outside experts.
Crime and violence not isolated to Ecuador; prevalent across Latin America & the Caribbean.
- Americas have the highest homicide rate globally, primarily linked to organized crime.
- 23% report being victims of crime in the past year; crime is a top concern for 20% of citizens.

Current Government: Daniel Naboa, President since November, declared a state of internal war.
Actions: Mobilized national police and armed forces.

Speaker: Dr. Lorena Pedra, Assistant Professor, Universidad Católica Ecuador

Increase in violent deaths and conflicts within the penitentiary system.
State’s capabilities exceeded by magnitude of the crisis.
Organized crime has origins in lack of state presence in key areas.
- Northern and Southern borders, provinces like Los Rios, Manabi, etc.
Struggles within criminal organizations and breakdown of agreements with political actors.
Issues: Intelligence System - Lacks oversight and has been politically driven since 2008.
Progress: Temporary control, but very precarious.
Need: A medium-term plan and professional intelligence system.

Speaker: Dr. Pablo Andrade, Professor, Universidad Andina

Ecuador’s political system favors a strong president backed by a majoritarian party in legislative.
- Collapse of Alianza País post-Correa led to disorganization.
Conditions in Europe for cocaine market and lack of strong party system contributed to issues.
Current Government: NOOA's administration lacks cohesive party support.
Concerns: Increasing militarization and involvement of military in law enforcement.
Comparison with Mexico: Similar strategies but with unique aspects in Ecuador.
- For instance, reliance on a national police force.
Solutions: Importance of elections, reforms, and state-building through taxes on elites.

Speaker: Dr. Grace Jaramillo, Professor, University of British Columbia

Need for International Collaboration: US and Western Front support needed.
Ecuador's lack of integration into global value chains and high youth unemployment.
- Issues like timber trafficking and illegal gold mining profitable for criminal organizations.
Proposed Strategies: Strategy Development
- Investment in value-added sectors, education, and new technologies.
- Establishing start-ups and accelerators to provide employment and economic stability.
- Balancing immediate security needs with long-term development.

Panelist Responses: Using the term to justify military involvement; lacks long-term planning.

Need for short-term, medium-term, and long-term strategies.
Emphasis on professional intelligence systems and curbing improvisation in security measures.
Comparison with Mexico’s strategy and the role of military in immediate responses.

Faith organizations like Caritas playing significant roles in community support and protection.
Importance of involving Civil Society and religious groups in wider security strategies.

Summary: Need for coordinated strategies, professional intelligence systems, and alignment with democratic controls.
Future Directions: Upcoming conference on security and development on September 5th.
Thanks to: Panelists Dr. Lorena Pedra, Dr. Pablo Andrade, and Dr. Grace Jaramillo, and attendees.