In a shocking turn of events, Fernando Villavicencio, a candidate in Ecuador's upcoming presidential election known for his strong stance against corruption and criminal gangs, was tragically shot and killed during a campaign rally. The incident occurred as he was leaving the event held in the capital city, Quito, on Wednesday.
Villavicencio, a prominent member of the country's national assembly, was among the rare few candidates who boldly exposed alleged connections between organized crime and government officials in Ecuador. His outspoken advocacy for a cleaner political landscape and safer streets had garnered attention both domestically and internationally.
Tragically, his commitment to change was met with violence. As he exited the campaign rally, Villavicencio was attacked and fatally shot. The responsibility for the attack has been claimed by a criminal gang known as "Los Lobos" (The Wolves).
Los Lobos, Ecuador's second-largest gang comprising around 8,000 members, many of whom are incarcerated, has previously been engaged in deadly prison clashes, resulting in numerous fatalities. This breakaway faction from the Los Choneros gang is believed to have ties to the Mexico-based Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), which is involved in cocaine trafficking.
Initial suspicion fell on Los Choneros, a rival gang that had reportedly threatened Villavicencio in the past. However, Los Lobos later asserted responsibility through a video where masked gang members displayed their weapons and gang signs.
Ecuador, historically considered a relatively safe and stable nation within Latin America, has witnessed an increase in crime due to the infiltration of Colombian and Mexican drug cartels into local criminal networks. This tragic incident occurred less than two weeks before the country's presidential elections, where concerns over security have emerged as a pivotal issue.
Villavicencio's assassination reflects the alarming influence of international drug cartels within Ecuador. These cartels exploit the nation's robust infrastructure and expansive ports to smuggle cocaine from neighboring Colombia and Peru to markets in the US and Europe. Their activities have been marked by threats and violence against those who challenge their interests.
Fernando Villavicencio, a former journalist and active congressman, had vociferously criticized the government's lenient approach towards criminal gangs, vowing to take a tougher stance if elected. While he was not the frontrunner in the election, his tragic death underscores the far-reaching power of these criminal networks.
This shocking assassination of a presidential candidate during a public event in the capital has shaken the nation and highlighted the audacious reach of these gangs. Witnesses recount that Villavicencio was ambushed as he departed the campaign event at around 6:20 PM local time. Gunfire erupted, and chaos ensued, leaving nine others injured, including a fellow candidate and two police officers.
As the nation mourns the loss of a committed reformer, Ecuador's current President Guillermo Lasso declared a state of emergency and promised justice. Leading candidates, including Luisa González and Otto Sonnenholzner, expressed their solidarity and condolences for Villavicencio's family, vowing that this tragic event will not go unpunished. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the urgency to tackle the escalating grip of criminal organizations in the region.