On her South America tour, Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser also visited Ecuador, where she met with her Ecuadorian counterpart Mónica Palencia to discuss drug-related crime and the current situation in the country. César Zapata, General Commander of Ecuador’s National Police, gave insight into how the police forces are combating organised crime in the country. Federal Minister Faeser also held talks at Ecuador’s public prosecutor general’s office.

Heightened security situation in Ecuador

Ecuador is currently facing a tense security situation. On 8 January 2024, the country declared a state of emergency after a gang leader escaped from prison. On 9 January, gunmen stormed a public television station in the port city of Guayaquil, which led to President Daniel Noboa mobilising armed forces to crack down on organised crime groups.

Drug-related crime in Ecuador a concern for Europe and Germany

Federal Minister Faeser will continue her tour until 2 March 2024, with further political talks in Colombia. The first stop was Brazil, followed by Peru and Ecuador. The aim of the South America tour is to increase networking between the security authorities: “We want to establish direct operational cooperation between our police authorities.”

Source: BMI


Map of South America with Minister Faeser’s itinerary (Brasil, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia).