Ecuador's gang violence displaces thousands, including in Guayaquil

In Ecuador, gang-related violence has resulted in over 300,000 individuals being forced to leave their residences in the last three years, as reported by the UN Refugee Agency and the Ombudsman's Office. This displacement stems from threats of death, extortion, forced recruitment by gangs, and the killings of family members. Last year, 22 individuals lost their lives in clashes between rival factions of the Los Tiguerones gang in the Nueva Prosperina area of Guayaquil, driving many locals to flee. A 66-year-old grandmother, who chose to remain anonymous, vacated her home after gunfire struck her neighborhood, concerned for her daughter and grandson. Often, abandoned homes are looted by gangs for drug profits or utilized to conceal kidnapping victims. In 2022, Ecuador reported 9,216 violent deaths, equating to a homicide rate of 51 per 100,000 residents. The ongoing violence has significantly increased internal displacement as criminal organizations vie for territory. Advocates warn that the actual number of displaced individuals may exceed official estimates.