Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso has declared a state of emergency and implemented night curfews in three coastal provinces following a wave of violence that occurred over the weekend. At least eight people were killed during this period, prompting the government to take immediate action.

The state of emergency encompasses the provinces of Manabi and Los Rios, as well as the city of Duran, which is near Guayaquil. The decision was made in response to the tragic shooting death of Agustin Intriago, the mayor of Manta, on Sunday.

Additionally, riots erupted in the Penitenciaria del Litoral prison in Guayaquil, with clashes between gangs leading to further chaos and violence. President Lasso has previously resorted to declaring states of emergency as Ecuador grapples with ongoing prison riots and a surge in violence throughout the country.

Speaking after a security cabinet meeting, he acknowledged that organized crime has deeply infiltrated the state, political organizations, and society itself. This problem has been brewing for over a decade and requires immediate attention.

The state of emergency will remain in effect for 60 days, with the curfew being adjusted accordingly during this period. The government has also launched an investigation into the murder of Manta's mayor. Furthermore, the riots in the prison resulted in the deaths of six inmates and injuries to 11 others, as reported by the SNAI prison authority.

In a concerning development, prisoners in several jails, including Cotopaxi, Azuay, Cañar, El Oro, and Napo, have taken 96 guards hostage. Additionally, they are participating in a hunger strike that commenced on Sunday in 13 prisons across Ecuador.

While the reasons behind these strikes have not been disclosed, it highlights the dire situation within the country's prison system. Ecuador has long grappled with structural issues within its prison system, and the rising levels of violence since 2021 have drawn international concern.

At least 400 people have lost their lives in frequent confrontations, prompting the involvement of organizations such as the United Nations and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. President Lasso's declaration of a state of emergency and implementation of curfews in the affected provinces is a necessary step towards restoring order and combating the rampant violence.

However, it also highlights the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to address the underlying issues that have allowed organized crime to permeate Ecuador's society and political landscape.