Asunción, Agencia IP.- Mercosur strongly condemns the acts of violence perpetrated by groups related to transnational organized crime that affect the internal security of Ecuador.
Through a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MRE), «the Mercosur member states strongly condemn the acts of violence perpetrated by groups related to transnational organized crime that affect the internal security of the Republic of Ecuador.»
They also expressed their solidarity with the people and Ecuador’s Government, as well as their unwavering support for the democratic institutions of that country within the framework of respect for human rights.
Ecuador is under a state of emergency due to the existence of an internal armed conflict, and an executive decree by Daniel Noboa identifies criminal groups as «terrorist organizations and non-state belligerent actors.» With a widespread mobilization of troops from the Armed Forces, the Police, and other security forces.
Noboa warned today that «the era of weak governments is over» in the country and admitted they are going through «a very tough moment.»
Ecuador closed 2023 with over 7,800 homicides and 220 tons of seized drugs, setting new records in the nation of 17 million inhabitants.