The OAS rejects violence in Ecuador and supports Noboa

The Organization of American States (OAS) this Friday condemned the escalation of violence which Ecuador and offered his “technical” and “political” support to the president’s government Daniel Noboa.

In a resolution approved by acclamation 33 countries members of the organization, the OAS gave its support to Ecuador’s “democratic regime” and pledged to “continue monitoring” the situation in the country to offer “political accompaniment” and technical support to the executive.

The document was approved at a session of the Permanent Council at which the Ecuadorian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gabriela Sommerfeldhe asked for the “resolute support” of all Latin American countries to face what he described as a “serious crisis and social upheaval” in his country.

Ecuador cannot give up terrorism, the Chancellor pointed out. “Citizens and the government of Ecuador will not allow the imposition of violence.”

As part of his intervention before the plenary session OASwhich met today at the request of Ecuador to address the situation in the country, the chancellor showed a video that collected images of the violence that has been recorded in recent days.

“Terror has taken over the country, Ecuador gives no more,” it said in white letters above frames showing cars burning, hostage-taking by armed groups and people with gunshot wounds.

The head of Ecuadorian diplomacy attributed this violence to “terrorist groups” and insisted that she hopes that the resolution adopted today by the OAS will translate into concrete support for her country.

“We are sure that the words of solidarity will be reflected in concrete decisions,” added Sommerfeld.

Deputy Head of the US Mission to the OAS, Thomas Hastingshe assured the Permanent Council that his country was already working “closely” with the Ecuadorian government to ensure that those responsible for the violence “are quickly brought to justice.”

“We are providing assistance to President Noboa and will continue to work with the Ecuadorian authorities to support his efforts,” Hastings stressed.

Organized crime in Ecuador has led to an escalation of violence this week, with riots in several prisons, kidnappings, explosions, attacks and even an armed attack on a television station in the city of Guayaquil.

Faced with these episodes, the president Daniel Noboa has declared a state of emergency, declared an “internal armed conflict” and classified these gangs as “terrorist” groups and, consequently, military targets.

The events occurred as the new government prepared to implement its plan to regain control of Ecuador’s prisons, many of which were internally dominated by these groups.

That violence moved to the streets. Ecuador is one of the most violent countries in the world, with 45 intentional murders per 100,000 inhabitants in 2023.