Continued murders in Mexico are a growing concern. Murders have increased in several states including Guerrero, one of Mexico’s most violent states for its location on the Pacific coast smuggling routes, Jalisco and Sinaloa. According to multiple sources including the British Broadcasting Corporation, more than 30,000 people are killed every year in Mexico, which has one of the world’s highest murder rates. Political leaders including mayors and candidates, priests, police officials and ordinary citizens are murdered. Mayor Alejandro Arcos of Chilpancingo — the capital city of the Guerrero state — was decapitated less than a week after taking office last month. But the positive side is that Claudia Sheinbaum, the newly elected president of Mexico, will continue to fight homicides.
But it is notable that there are armed groups-based, law enforcement-oriented and other reasons for continued murders in Mexico. The presence of several guerrilla organizations, powerful drug cartels, a leading supplier of illicit narcotics to the United States, and self-defense groups are mostly responsible for continued murders in different states of Mexico. While there are many organizations that have identified themselves as guerrilla groups, there is a large number of drug cartels including Sinaloa Cartel, Gulf Cartel and Los Zetas operating across the country. Political rivalries and corruption within government institutions that facilitate the close link between gang lords and government officials also play vital roles in murders. Among others, poverty and marginalization increase the vulnerability of certain groups in the country.
Pertinently saying, law enforcement and other steps have led to some positive outcomes. The government of Andrés Manuel López Obrador declared war on drug cartels and took drastic efforts including military engagement, the creation of the National Guard (through absorbing units and officers from the Federal Police, Military Police and Naval Police aiming to increase national security and tackle organized crime) and surveillance operation that resulted in the deaths and arrests of many criminals including several powerful criminal lords and helped murders, disappearances and drug trafficking. Among others, Mexico’s improvement in law enforcement capacity, including intelligence and strategy planning, and collaboration with the United States have been helpful. But the outcomes are not as desirable in Mexico.
The new government needs to take the flaws in previous efforts into consideration. No doubt, steps are limited in addressing powerful transnational networks of drug cartels, who are active in many states and cities, and the availability of weapons. The linkage between politicians and drug cartels and corruption within government officials including law enforcement agencies are also less addressed. Force is used without addressing human rights violations, leading to criticism against efforts at home and abroad. Among others, steps are limited in addressing poverty and other underlying reasons for murders including marginalization in different states — though the earlier government advocated for policies that focus on the root causes of crime in Mexico.
To be successful in fighting murders, strengthening law enforcement and reducing the availability of weapons is vital. Emphasis on generating cooperation from different government agencies and addressing corruption within law enforcing agencies, along with political support, will also greatly help fight continued murders. Steps need to be strengthened in several states including Guerrero and Sinaloa. But military-based steps and law enforcement will not resolve the problem of murders in Mexico. Political and peace negotiations and addressing the underlying reasons including poverty will help improve conditions and reduce killings in Mexico.
Amir M Sayem
Chief Editor
Dhaka Opinion Magazine
