Mano Dura: The Heavy-Handed Approach to Violence in Latin America

In 2023, the small city of Durán in Ecuador gained notoriety as the most dangerous place in the world with a murder rate of 148 per 100,000 residents. Its proximity to Guayaquil, a major export hub for cocaine, contributed to its high levels of crime. This city serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Latin America, where a disproportionate amount of the world’s murders occur. Despite accounting for only 8% of the global population, the region experiences a third of all homicides.

In response to the pervasive violence, leaders in Latin America often adopt a heavy-handed approach known as mano dura, or the iron fist. Mano dura tactics include imposing states of emergency for indefinite periods, deploying the military on the streets, and conducting widespread arrests without discrimination. While these measures have led to a decrease in the murder rate, they come at a steep cost. El Salvador’s president, Nayib Bukele, is a prominent advocate of mano dura, having imprisoned nearly 80,000 individuals—over 1% of the population—in the past two years.

Despite praise and attempts to emulate the “Bukele model” by officials in the region, there are concerns about the long-term effectiveness and human rights implications of such aggressive tactics. As Latin American countries grapple with high levels of violence, finding sustainable and humane solutions remains a critical challenge that must be addressed with care and consideration. The problem is not just limited to Ecuador but is an issue that affects many countries across Latin America and beyond.