Joint Effort to Tackle Cross-Border Violence and Drug Trafficking
Peru and Ecuador have agreed to collaborate in combating organized crime and illegal mining, particularly along their shared border affected by the violence of narco-gangs. The agreement was reached during a meeting in Quito, Ecuador, between the presidents of both nations and their respective ministers.
Background on Key Figures
José Jerí, the interim president of Peru since October 2022 following the removal of Dina Boluarte, led the Peruvian delegation. Daniel Noboa, the president of Ecuador, chaired the Ecuadorian side. Both leaders have emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral relations and addressing pressing issues such as violence, economy, and social programs.
The Challenge of Drug Trafficking and Organized Crime
Peru is the world’s second-largest producer of cocaine, trailing only Colombia. Most of this illicit drug transits through strategic Ecuadorian ports on the Pacific, facilitated by transnational criminal organizations exacerbating a severe security crisis.
Key Points of the Agreement
- Joint Border Control: Both nations committed to reinforcing control over their 1,500 km shared border through a combined binational police force.
- Combating Illegal Mining: The agreement aims to curtail illegal mining activities that contribute to environmental degradation and fund criminal organizations.
- Energy Security: Peru and Ecuador pledged to ensure a stable supply of fuels in the border region and exchange petroleum and natural gas.
- Historical Context: The recent agreement builds on a 1998 peace accord that resolved a longstanding territorial dispute between the two nations, preventing further conflicts.
Economic Ties and Trade
The bilateral trade between Peru and Ecuador reached $2.037 billion in 2024, with $1.683 billion recorded between January and October of the current year, according to Ecuador’s Central Bank.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are the key figures involved? President José Jerí of Peru and President Daniel Noboa of Ecuador led the negotiations.
- What are the main issues addressed in the agreement? The pact focuses on combating organized crime, illegal mining, and ensuring energy security along the shared border.
- Why is this agreement significant? This collaboration aims to tackle cross-border violence, drug trafficking, and environmental degradation caused by illegal mining activities.
- What is the historical context of Peru-Ecuador relations? The two nations have a history of territorial disputes, with a significant peace accord signed in 1998 to prevent further conflicts.
