El Salvador has achieved remarkable success in its fight against organized crime, positioning itself as a global benchmark for combating gang violence and international drug trafficking. Under the leadership of President Nayib Bukele, the country has experienced a historic transformation through initiatives like the Territorial Control Plan and a state of emergency.
This approach has brought peace to families who endured over four decades of gang violence, which claimed the lives of more than 120,000 Salvadorans under previous administrations. By removing El Salvador from the list of the world’s most dangerous nations—a grim status reached in 2015 under the FMLN government—the Bukele administration has made the country the safest in the Western Hemisphere.
Global Interest in the Bukele Model
The success of the Bukele Model has drawn the attention of other nations seeking to address their own security challenges. Recently, Argentina’s Security Minister Patricia Bullrich, under the directive of President Javier Milei, visited El Salvador to study its strategies firsthand.
During her visit, Bullrich toured the Center for the Confinement of Terrorism (Cecot), where dangerous gang leaders are held under strict conditions. “The Cecot operates under a tough regime, but it’s nothing compared to the atrocities committed by these criminals against Salvadorans,” Bullrich remarked.
She also visited the National Public Security Academy (ANSP), where future police officers are trained to sustain the nation’s newfound tranquility.
Interest from Brazil and Peru
Brazil and Peru have also expressed interest in adopting aspects of the Bukele Model. In Brazil, a delegation of seven federal deputies, including Eduardo Bolsonaro, visited El Salvador to learn about its comprehensive approach to tackling gang violence. Bolsonaro praised Bukele’s success, noting the subsequent boost in tourism, education, and healthcare.
In Peru, the government has faced escalating crime rates, prompting the declaration of a state of emergency in Lima and Callao. Officials, including former Prime Minister Alberto Otárola and Judicial President Javier Arévalo, have explored how elements of El Salvador’s model could be adapted to address Peru’s security crisis.
As El Salvador continues to gain recognition for its achievements in public safety, its strategies offer hope and inspiration to nations seeking to reclaim peace and stability for their citizens.