Durán, located in Ecuador, has been labeled as the most dangerous city in the world. With a murder rate of 148 per 100,000 residents in 2023, it surpasses even Mandela Bay in South Africa, which comes in as the next most violent place. This small city, with a population of around 300,000, is struggling with poverty and serves as a key location for the exportation of cocaine, being situated across the river from Guayaquil.
The violence in Durán is just a small glimpse of the larger issue of crime and violence that plagues Latin America. Despite only accounting for 8% of the world’s population, the region is responsible for a third of global murders. This statistic highlights the severity of the situation and the urgent need for solutions to address the root causes of violence in the region.
In response to the escalating violence, many Latin American leaders have resorted to draconian measures such as mano dura, or the iron fist approach. This strategy often involves declaring states of emergency, deploying the military in the streets, and carrying out mass arrests without discrimination. While these measures may lead to a temporary decrease in crime rates, they come at a heavy cost to human rights and the rule of law.
El Salvador’s president, Nayib Bukele, has been a proponent of mano dura and has implemented harsh measures that have resulted in a significant decrease in the murder rate. Despite this apparent success, it is essential to consider the long-term implications and the potential negative consequences of such heavy-handed tactics. Other Latin American officials should be cautious about adopting the “Bukele model” and instead focus on comprehensive strategies that address the root causes of violence in the region.