Can a War on Crime Bring Relief to Ecuador?

In this Q&A, Crisis Group expert Glaeldys González explains how the South American country arrived at this point and the potential consequences of the government’s crackdown.

What has happened in Ecuador?

After grappling with worsening insecurity for several years, Ecuador witnessed a terrifying spike in violence in the first half of January.

Criminal groups have shot civilians; looted stores; and set off car bombs and other explosions in the capital Quito and Guayaquil, a…