El Salvador's Bukele Launches Territorial Control Plan to Combat Gangs
El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele, 37, has been in power for 15 months, ending the country's two-party system. His territorial control plan aims to reduce violence, with phase one focusing on regaining control of gang territories. Meanwhile, a controversial report by El Faro alleges secret negotiations between the Bukele administration and MS-13, the Americas' most violent street gang.
Bukele's plan has seven phases, with the first three concentrating on boosting security force presence, updating equipment, and youth prevention activities, costing $575 million. Phase one seeks to 'take back control' of gang territories by deploying soldiers and separating high-ranking gang members.
El Faro reported that the Bukele administration secretly negotiated with MS-13 to reduce homicides and gain electoral support. The talks involved government officials and gang representatives, discussing topics such as violence reduction, prison conditions, and political influence. Since Bukele's presidency, El Salvador has seen the lowest homicide rate since 2015. However, security expert Sofía Martinez questions the tactics used by Bukele, noting they were previously implemented without success.
The Bukele administration denied El Faro's allegations and allowed reporters to inspect prisons to disprove the claims. President Bukele denied attacking the press, stating his commitment to freedom of expression. However, he has been criticized for ridiculing and criticizing El Faro and other media outlets, raising concerns about press freedom in El Salvador.
Bukele attributes the reduction in homicides to his territorial control plan, while some analysts suggest a secret truce with gangs. The confidential negotiations, if proven true, could have significant implications for El Salvador's political landscape and the ongoing fight against gang violence.
