Ecuador has been witnessing a disturbing surge in violence marked by an increase in drug-related activities and violent killings since late 2020. Attacks on political candidates and leaders by criminal groups are on the rise. Politicians are increasingly being targeted, particularly during elections, as organized crime groups penetrate local administrations in an effort to secure advantageous conditions for their operations. 

On 15 May, an attempt to attack Mayor Luis Chonillo was made near Plaza Shiva in Durán. Two people were killed in the shootout. In another unfortunate incident on 23 July, the mayor of Manta, Agustin Intriago, was killed in a shooting by unidentified men. A woman was also killed and four others were injured. On 9 August, Ecuadorian presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio was fatally shot by an unidentified assailant during a political rally in Quito. Several others were injured. A suspect in the murder eventually died as a result of injuries caused during the shootout; six others were detained. On 10 August, a National State of Emergency was declared for a two-month period in response to the assassination. These criminal organizations employ coercive tactics to ensure the victory of candidates who support their interests.

The country’s homicide rate has increased alarmingly to 26 per 100,000 inhabitants in the last six years. The strategic location of Ecuador between Colombia and Peru- the world’s largest hub of drug trafficking- contributes significantly to the escalating rates of murders and shootings across the country. The most affected provinces include Guayas, Esmeraldas, and Manabí. On 3 May, President Lasso ordered military operations nationwide to combat the rising crime, primarily in Guayaquil. Despite the orders, it has been a daunting task to curb violence in the country. On the night of 18 June, violent clashes were reported between criminals and the residents of Comité del Pueblo. Injuries were reported and houses were burnt. On 19 June, at least six people were killed and six others were injured in a violent clash between suspected rival gangs in the Guasmo sector. Clashes between drug trafficking gangs were also reported in prisons. Nightly curfews and states of emergency have been declared frequently by authorities in order to control the surge in violent crime and incidents of gang violence. 

The country has been thrown into a state of political instability since May as an impeachment trial against President Guillermo Lasso was initiated on charges of embezzlement. On 17 May 2023, Lasso invoked the muerte cruzada decree and dissolved the National Assembly to avoid impeachment. The presidential elections, originally scheduled for 2025, will take place on 20 August 2023. Additional security personnel may be deployed nationwide. Incidents of violence are likely due to the current political climate and insecurity.

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