Six Years of Control: How El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele is Cementing His Dictatorship

Nayib Bukele, who calls himself the "world’s coolest dictator," has served as El Salvador’s president for six years. His time in office has been marked by controversial reforms aimed at reducing crime, but many critics say these measures come at a steep cost.

Bukele’s aggressive stance against crime, in a nation once considered the most dangerous in the western hemisphere, has led to the arrest of around 87,000 people. Critics argue that many of these arrests lack proper legal proceedings, raising concerns about civil liberties.

While the government points to a drop in gang violence as evidence of success, opponents believe that this has resulted in mass incarcerations and diminished rights for citizens. The scope of this crackdown has expanded to include civil society groups and journalists who investigate the government’s ties with gang activities.

One recent case illustrates this tension. Ruth López, an anti-corruption lawyer with the human rights group Cristosal, was detained without formal charges under dubious allegations. Shortly after her arrest, a new law taxing foreign donations to NGOs was enacted, which rights groups view as a direct attack on civil society.

Experts such as Juan Pappier from Human Rights Watch argue that Bukele’s administration has amassed excessive power. "There’s been a demolition of democratic checks and an increasing effort to silence critics," he noted.

Bukele’s popularity has surged, especially as many feel safer walking in formerly crime-ridden neighborhoods. Despite ongoing fear of escalating abuses, his supporters see the current levels of peace as a worthwhile trade-off. Yet, even within this climate of relative safety, human rights activists voice concerns.

Samuel Ramírez, from the Movement of Victims of the Regime, points out that many families are afraid to speak out about their loved ones who have been wrongfully accused of being gang members. He describes an environment akin to war, with citizens more fearful of state violence than gang activity.

In the backdrop, Bukele faces allegations of previously negotiating peace deals with gangs to keep violence down, which he denies vehemently. However, the evidence is murky. Investigations have suggested that he may have used payments to gangs to secure lower crime rates—a claim that continues to cloud his presidency.

Recently, U.S. officials, including those from the Biden administration, have accused Bukele’s government of bribing gangs to maintain a seemingly peaceful environment. While Bukele brushed off these allegations, independent journalists have reported serious concerns regarding the integrity of his rule.

El Faro, a respected news outlet, disclosed alleged dealings between Bukele and gang leaders during his political rise. They also reported that journalists covering these stories faced serious threats, leading many to operate from outside the country.

As for the people of El Salvador, the deep divide in opinions is evident. While some express contentment with the current safety levels, those fighting for human rights warn that the country is slipping into a form of dictatorship, where free speech and dissent become increasingly dangerous.

Countries and organizations outside El Salvador are watching closely, as the situation may impact broader regional policies. Experts like Gracia Grande from the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy warn that Bukele’s approach could serve as a blueprint for similar actions in other nations, including the United States.

El Salvador stands at a significant crossroads, and while Bukele has garnered support for his crime-fighting strategies, the long-term implications for democracy and human rights remain to be seen.

For more information on human rights in El Salvador, check out Human Rights Watch.

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