Equador has declared a state of emergency following the migration influx from Venezuela. Equador also known as Republic of Equador is a representative democratic republic in north-western South America. It is bordered by Colombia on the north, Peru on the east and south and the Pacific Ocean to the west. The capital..
Equador has declared a state of emergency following the migration influx from Venezuela.
Background
Equador also known as Republic of Equador is a representative democratic republic in north-western South America. It is bordered by Colombia on the north, Peru on the east and south and the Pacific Ocean to the west. The capital city is Quito and the largest city is Guayaquil. The official language of the country is Spanish.
What is now Equador was home to a variety of American Indian that was gradually assimilated into the Inca Empire during the 15th century. The territory was colonized by Spain during the 16th century, achieving independence in 1820. It later emerged as its own sovereign from the Gran Colombia in 1830.
Equador has a developing economy that is highly dependent on commodities, namely petroleum and agricultural products. It is classified as an upper- middle income country and is also the eighth largest economy in Latin America.
It is a democracy and is currently ruled by President Lenin Moreno. The State consists of five branches of government: the Executive, the Legislative, the Electoral, the Judicial, and the Transparency and Social Control.
Recently, the Venezuelan crisis has caused thousands of people to migrate to the border of Equador. Despite having the world’s largest proven oil deposits, many Venezuelans have lived in abject poverty. The former President, Hugo Chavez, was in office from 1993 to 2013. During his period, billions of dollars were spent in generous social programs. Throughout the time of Nicolas Maduro’s presidency there has been a rise in inflation and a shortage of basic goods.
Analysis
Venezuela’s oil revenues account for about 95% of its exports. This means that soaring oil prices will result in increased money inflow. But, the finances saw a gaping hole when the oil prices fell drastically in 2014. Following this the government had to cut back on its social programs.
Venezuela is fraught with hyperinflation making every commodity expensive for people to buy. Impoverished Venezuelans are fleeing food shortages, and violent crime in their homeland, often taking days-long bus rides across South America because they cannot afford flights. The situation spiralled out of control fast and left people with no other choice but to migrate.
Rumours about border closing among migrants caused panic and many Venezuelans fled the ravaged OPEC member country. This sudden surge in migrants led to a state of emergency in Equador. “The government of Ecuador has declared a state of emergency related to human migration in the provinces of Carchi, Pichincha and El Oro to provide urgent attention to the Venezuelan migrants on the northern border,” the foreign ministry said in a statement. The exact numbers of migrants that previously entered Equador are unknown, but today 4,200 people cross the border every day via Colombia.
The move to declare emergency aims to help in establishing the infrastructure to support people who do not have humanitarian refugee status in Equador. Santiago Chavez, the vice minister of human mobility, said the plan would “give an effective and forceful response in benefit of the preservation of those entering Ecuadorian territory”.
In addition to aiding incoming refugees, Latin American countries are introducing special measures. Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos granted 440,000 Venezuelan refugees temporary residency permits.
Equador has decided to bring in extra help as part of a contingency plan. Extra immigration officials will be hired, social workers and psychologists will provide with basic needs to help the migrants. This is the first time Equador has declared an emergency which will continue at least till the end of August. Brazil already declared a state of emergency and closed its borders on Tuesday.
Argentina took in approximately 31,167 Venezuelans under a law that allows foreign nationals to remain in the country under exceptional reasons.
Meanwhile, in Venezuela the economy continues to struggle with the currency fallen to 99.99% percent against the US dollar. This recession is in its fifth year.
Assessment
Our assessment is that Venezuela’s refusal of accepting international aid will result in pressure on neighbouring countries. We believe that if the influx continues, countries like Equador among others will be forced to close their borders. We feel that being a wealthy nation such as Equador may be able to sustain itself and the migrants for sometime but not for long.
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