El Salvador has marked a historic milestone by reaching 700 days free from homicides, a feat attributed to the country’s robust security strategies. This significant achievement is largely credited to the efforts of the former National Police Director, Mauricio Arriaza Chicas, who tragically died in an airplane accident on Sunday.
Under President Nayib Bukele’s administration, El Salvador has transformed from being one of the most violent nations in Latin America to one of the safest. The government’s successful crackdown on gang violence has been a pivotal factor in this dramatic reduction in crime. Since June 2019, when homicides totaled 217, the country has seen a consistent decline, with an average of only 5 murders per day. This downward trend has continued, resulting in a notable decrease in the crime rate and a remarkable 98% effectiveness in solving the few crimes that do occur.
The year 2024 has already seen 182 days without homicides, including eight days in September. This continues a pattern of declining violence observed throughout the year: 48 days without murders in January and February, 22 days in March, 19 in April, 21 in May, 24 in June—the safest month in the nation’s history—22 in July, and 18 in August. The most recent day without homicides was September 9, with President Bukele praising the late Arriaza Chicas for his contributions to the country’s improved security.
Authorities predict that if current trends persist, the homicide rate by the end of 2024 will drop to 1.5 per 100,000 inhabitants, a significant decrease from 2.4 per 100,000 in 2023. The numbers reflect a broader trend of decreasing violence: 2019 ended with 2,383 homicides, while 2021 saw a 15% reduction compared to 2020. The implementation of a state of exception in March 2022 led to a dramatic fall in homicides, culminating in 496 for the year and 200 days without murders.
El Salvador’s improved security has also bolstered its international standing, stimulating growth in tourism, investments, and trade. Minister of Tourism Morena Valdez has highlighted the positive impact on the tourism sector, noting an increase in visitors and longer stays, which contribute to economic and social well-being. Recent economic forecasts from the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have adjusted El Salvador’s growth projections upward, reflecting the positive effects of the nation’s transformation.
The success of El Salvador’s security strategies underscores the profound impact of effective governance on public safety and national development.