San Salvador Sees Peace at a Price, Raising Questions on Sustainability and Rights

San Salvador, El Salvador - January 2, 2025
In what could be described as a dramatic turnaround, El Salvador has seen its homicide rate plummet under the leadership of President Nayib Bukele, transforming the once murder capital of the world into one of the safest countries in the Western Hemisphere. Yet, this newfound peace comes with a heavy cost, sparking a debate over whether Bukele's methods are a model for security or a misstep towards authoritarianism.

Bukele, who took office in 2019, initiated a hardline approach against the country's notorious gangs, particularly MS-13 and Barrio 18. His administration declared a state of emergency in March 2022, which has been repeatedly extended, allowing for mass arrests without due process. This strategy has resulted in the incarceration of over 83,600 individuals, significantly reducing crime rates. The government reports a homicide rate now standing at a mere 1.8 per 100,000 inhabitants, a stark contrast to the 105 per 100,000 recorded in 2015.

On the streets of San Salvador, the change is palpable. Neighborhoods once under the iron grip of gang violence are now quieter, with residents enjoying freedoms they hadn't known for decades. "I can walk to the store without fear, something unimaginable just a few years ago," says Maria Lopez, a local shopkeeper who now keeps her business open later into the evening.

However, this tranquility has come at a steep price. Human rights organizations have decried the suspension of basic civil liberties, including the right to a fair trial and protection from arbitrary detention. Reports of torture, overcrowded prisons, and the government's control over all branches of power paint a picture of a country where security has been prioritized over democracy.

Critics, including international watchdogs, argue that Bukele's policies might not be sustainable in the long run. "We're seeing a peace enforced through repression rather than through addressing the root causes of crime like poverty and social exclusion," states Ana Rivera, a human rights lawyer based in El Salvador. There's also the looming threat of what happens when these emergency measures are lifted, potentially leading to a resurgence of gang activity.

Despite these concerns, Bukele's tough-on-crime stance has made him incredibly popular at home, with approval ratings soaring. His methods have sparked interest across Latin America, where other leaders grapple with rising crime rates. However, experts warn that replicating this model elsewhere could lead to similar human rights violations and democratic backsliding.

As the debate rages on, El Salvador stands at a crossroads. The country must navigate between maintaining its newfound safety and addressing the underlying issues that led to the gang problem in the first place, all while ensuring that the principles of democracy and human rights are not merely casualties in the war against crime. The world watches to see whether Bukele's approach will stand the test of time or if it will unravel, leaving El Salvador at square one.