Ecuador’s Descent: How Crackdowns and Eroding Institutions Signal a Regional Trend
Just 43 reported cases of enforced disappearances since President Daniel Noboa took office in late 2023 may seem like a manageable number, but in Ecuador, it’s a flashing red warning sign. Amnesty International’s recent findings, coupled with escalating repression of dissent and attacks on judicial independence, paint a disturbing picture: Ecuador is rapidly aligning with a worrying surge in authoritarian practices across Latin America. This isn’t simply a localized crisis; it’s a potential harbinger of instability with implications for regional democracy and human rights.
The Escalating Repression of Dissent
Recent protests, sparked by a September increase in diesel prices, have been met with a heavy-handed response from Ecuadorian security forces. The Alliance for Human Rights reports over 60 detentions and 40 injuries as of September 28th, alongside the tragic death of Efraín Fuerez, allegedly shot by the armed forces in Imbabura province. These actions are not isolated incidents. Amnesty International has documented concerns over excessive force, arbitrary arrests, and the chilling tactic of opening criminal investigations – and freezing bank accounts – against protest leaders and their legal representatives. The arrest of 12 individuals in Otavalo, including 10 Kiwcha Indigenous people charged with terrorism, has drawn condemnation from the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.
This crackdown isn’t merely about controlling protests; it’s about silencing opposition. The Ecuadorian authorities must guarantee the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, adhering to principles of legality, necessity, and proportionality in the use of force. Prompt, impartial investigations into alleged human rights violations are crucial, alongside due process for those detained and respect for the rights of Indigenous communities – communities with whom genuine dialogue is urgently needed.
Undermining the Pillars of Democracy: The Attack on the Constitutional Court
Perhaps even more alarming than the repression of protests is the systematic campaign to delegitimize Ecuador’s Constitutional Court. President Noboa’s administration and its allies have actively sought to portray the judges as “enemies of the people” after the court temporarily suspended articles of security and transparency laws for constitutional review. This has manifested in public harassment, including giant banners displaying the judges’ faces with accusatory slogans, a presidential call for a march against the court, and even a bomb threat that forced an evacuation. Members of the court have also reported threats of criminal proceedings and hacking attempts.
These attacks aren’t happening in a vacuum. The UN Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, have both condemned the actions. The erosion of judicial independence is a hallmark of authoritarian regimes, and Ecuador’s trajectory is deeply concerning. The state must ensure judges and all justice personnel can operate free from political pressure and in safety.
The Shadow of “Plan Fénix” and Enforced Disappearances
Amnesty International’s report, “It was the military. I saw them,” reveals a deeply disturbing trend: enforced disappearances linked to President Noboa’s militarized security strategy, “Plan Fénix.” The organization documented the enforced disappearance of 10 people, including six children, during security operations in 2024. While 17 soldiers have been detained in connection with the deaths of four children from the Falklands case, the lack of cooperation from the armed forces in other investigations – citing “confidentiality” – is a major obstacle to justice. The Public Prosecutor’s Office has reported 43 possible enforced disappearances since Noboa took office.
Enforced disappearance is an international crime demanding prompt and thorough investigation, with the full participation of victims’ families. Reversing the militarized approach to public security is not merely a matter of policy; it’s a moral imperative. The continued lack of accountability creates a climate of impunity that emboldens further abuses.
The Regional Context: A Rising Tide of Authoritarianism?
Ecuador’s situation isn’t unique. Across Latin America, we’re witnessing a concerning trend of governments employing increasingly authoritarian tactics to suppress dissent and consolidate power. From the erosion of democratic institutions in Venezuela to the crackdown on protests in Colombia and the increasing militarization of security forces in Peru, the region is facing a democratic backslide. This trend is often fueled by a combination of factors, including economic instability, organized crime, and a perceived failure of traditional political systems. Human Rights Watch’s 2024 World Report details these challenges extensively.
The convergence of these factors in Ecuador, coupled with the government’s response, suggests a deliberate strategy to silence opposition and consolidate control. The implications are far-reaching, potentially destabilizing the country and setting a dangerous precedent for the region.
The situation in Ecuador demands urgent attention from the international community. Increased scrutiny, targeted sanctions against those responsible for human rights violations, and support for civil society organizations are essential. But ultimately, the future of Ecuador rests on the willingness of its leaders to uphold the rule of law, respect fundamental freedoms, and engage in genuine dialogue with all segments of society. What steps will Ecuador take to reverse this dangerous course? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
