In a recent forum on U.S.-Central America relations, the United States Ambassador to El Salvador, William Duncan, commended the country’s progress in the field of public security under President Nayib Bukele’s administration.
During the Inter-American Dialogue forum titled “United States and Central America: Diplomacy and Cooperation,” Ambassador Duncan emphasized the significant advancements El Salvador has made in ensuring public safety.
“I have yet to meet someone who is not satisfied with the current state of public security in the country. Even those who have reservations about the methods being employed recognize the positive changes,” Duncan stated at the forum, alongside fellow U.S. ambassadors from Central American nations.
Since June 2019, the Bukele administration has implemented the Territorial Control Plan (PTC), which has achieved historically low homicide rates and a decline in various crimes. The plan has successfully reclaimed territories from gang control and dealt severe blows to both common and organized crime.
Additionally, since March 27, 2021, El Salvador has been operating under a constitutional state of exception, enabling the capture of over 70,000 gang members and their associates, leading to the dismantling of several gangs.
Duncan expressed his disagreement with claims that the gangs were already in decline when President Bukele assumed office on June 1, 2019.
“I would slightly disagree with the assertion that the gangs were already in decline when President Bukele took office. That would not be the perception of the average Salvadoran,” stated the representative of President Joe Biden’s administration.
During the forum, Duncan highlighted the impact of the public security strategy, stating that over 50% of the Salvadoran population, who “had never experienced a time when they could safely walk the streets,” can now do so. He emphasized the significance of this accomplishment for the people of El Salvador.
He also underscored the need to consider the failures of previous governments in the areas of governance and public security. “What is happening in El Salvador has historical context. If we fail to understand that, then we will not be the kind of partners for El Salvador that I believe we should be,” he considered.
Duncan pointed out that President Bukele’s “remarkable popularity” is rooted in the security strategy implemented by his government, which has brought peace, tranquility, and security to the country’s residents. “That’s what explains those approval ratings,” he remarked, referring to the results of public opinion polls.
In conclusion, the U.S. ambassador’s remarks in the forum highlighted the significant advancements in public security achieved under President Bukele’s administration in El Salvador. The ongoing efforts to combat crime and improve safety have positively impacted the lives of Salvadorans, earning the government widespread support and recognition.