During the previous week, another presidential tour was carried out by President López Obrador, through 3 particularly conflictive states in terms of security: Guanajuato, Jalisco, and Colima. From Manzanillo, the President announced that from now on, ports and customs will be under military protection, this with the intention of preventing drugs and arms trafficking, which has damaged the country greatly.
The president has decided to rely on the Mexican Armed Forces (FAM) again, Mexico’s most trusted and respected institutions. Their efficiency, as well as their discipline, professionalism, and dedication, have allowed their intervention in the most relevant matters of this administration. Consequently, the President has reiterated his confidence in the Armed Forces and for sure, they will fully comply with the task.
The same day of this announcement, a video was released showing several members of a criminal organization, carrying high-caliber rifles, and using artisan armored vehicles. Although the videos had an important media coverage, it is worth noting that no drug cartel or criminal organization has the human and material resources that the Mexican State has.
This topic was discussed during Monday’s morning press conference. There, General Luis Cresencio Sandoval indicated that there is no record of a direct confrontation using the equipment shown in the video. Despite of the above, this event requires immediate action to strengthen the public security system, especially in states such as Guanajuato and other from the cartel’s area of influence, since this group has the ability to operate in small cities or municipalities. Therefore, attention and coordination between the different levels of government is essential to face them.
However, coordination is not required exclusively when combating large criminal groups. It is also necessary to combat common crime to prevent it from escalating and turning into more serious crimes. Proof of this, is shown in the video mentioned before where a Jeep vehicle that had been stolen from Guanajuato reappeared in the video. What would have happened if such a robbery had been avoided and the stolen vehicle was recovered on time? Without a doubt, it would have been one less resource for the criminals.
Therefore, coordination is essential for fighting local crime. And until now, some progress has been made when mutual agreements were made between the federal and state governments to reduce crime. An event that should be celebrated.
Although it is important to underline the mistakes, we must also highlight when such mistakes are recognized. Well done by the President, as well as for what was done by the Governors who agreed address the main problem in their entities. Because nothing is more important than the citizens safety.
* Arturo Ávila Anaya, IBN/B Analitycs President and National Security Expert by Harvard (NIS).
@ArturoAvila_mx