Once one of Latin America’s safest nations, Ecuador has become one of its deadliest, as violent drug cartels from Mexico to the Balkans flood the country to secure cocaine trafficking routes. Homicide rates have soared, and President Daniel Noboa has staked his hopes on heavy police and military deployments.
However, these security measures have been plagued by allegations of human rights abuses, including enforced disappearances. Al Jazeera’s Fault Lines investigated claims that 51 people have been forcibly disappeared during military operations since early 2024.
Acting Attorney General Leonardo Alarcon told Al Jazeera exclusively: “For 2024 and 2025, we have 34 preliminary investigations underway and 51 victims. The cases are progressing, but investigations must be objective and rigorous.” Families of the missing, however, argue the pace is excruciatingly slow.
Rosario Villon’s brother, Jonathan Villon, a 31-year-old father of three, vanished on December 9, 2024, while picking up groceries in Guayaquil. Security footage and a neighbor’s video show soldiers forcing him into a truck. The military has refused to respond, claiming no operations occurred in that area. “We have evidence, videos, license plates, and they won’t give us a concrete answer,” said Jonathan’s partner, Yadira Bohorquez.
Lawyer Fernando Bastias stated: “The case is completely paralyzed by the Ministry of Defense’s refusal to cooperate.” Only one case has seen accountability: “The Malvinas 4,” where four Afro-Ecuadorian boys aged 11 to 15 were abducted and killed. Their remains were found burned in Taura. Five soldiers who cooperated received 30-month sentences; 11 who did not got over 30 years.
Camila Ruiz Segovia of Amnesty International called the verdict “huge” for Latin America, noting it may deter further military violations. Fault Lines reached out to Ecuador’s military and President Noboa’s office but received no response. Families like the Villons continue to push for truth, with Bohorquez saying, “I pray God touches the soldiers’ hearts to tell us what happened. I hope we are victorious and all our family members are alive.”
Source: www.aljazeera.com