El Salvador Roundup: Eradication of gang presence, deployment to Haiti, nuclear energy law
Thousands of Salvadorian security forces deployed to eradicate remaining gang presence
On October 28, 2024, El Salvador's government deployed an extensive force of over 2,000 soldiers and 500 police officers to the San Marcos neighbourhood to eradicate the remaining gang presence. President Nayib Bukele announced the establishment of a security fence designed to capture gang members hiding in the area. This operation is a continuation of previous efforts to dismantle the Barrio 18 gang, which were launched in response to a significant spike in violence observed in March 2022. Although these measures have resulted in lower homicide rates and numerous arrests, they have attracted considerable criticism from human rights organisations regarding potential violations and arbitrary detentions. Despite proclaiming victory over gangs, Bukele has extended the state of emergency for more than two years, asserting that further efforts are crucial.
El Salvador sanctions military deployment to Haiti
El Salvador's government sanctioned the deployment of military personnel to Haiti to aid in medical evacuation operations within the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support Mission. This decision received overwhelming support, with 57 out of 60 congressional votes in favour, allowing the Salvadoran Armed Forces to operate under the United Nations' "blue helmet" framework. This deployment is the result of a collaborative agreement between El Salvador and Haiti facilitated by the Organization of American States, aimed at ensuring the legal rights of all parties involved. The Salvadoran forces will bring valuable experience from previous UN missions to this critical operation.
China-El Salvador holds inaugural joint trade and economic committee meeting
China and El Salvador convened their inaugural joint trade and economic committee meeting in San Salvador, with a focus on fostering negotiations for a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA). China's Vice Minister of Commerce, Wang Shouwen, reaffirmed China’s commitment to swiftly progressing FTA discussions, as well as encouraging cooperation in infrastructure and investment sectors. El Salvador's Economy Minister, María Luisa Hayem, highlighted the importance of bolstering economic ties, improving market access for Salvadoran agricultural products, and attracting Chinese investment across diverse industries. The committee aims to strengthen practical collaboration, leveraging successful FTAs established by neighbouring countries such as Honduras and Nicaragua. The ongoing FTA negotiations, which commenced in April, are making strides towards concrete areas of collaboration and frameworks.
El Salvador aims at first nuclear facility after passing new energy law
El Salvador's Legislative Assembly passed a "Nuclear Energy Law" aimed at regulating the construction and operational management of nuclear facilities. This law, primarily supported by President Nayib Bukele's party, is designed to oversee the lifecycle of nuclear fuel for peaceful energy use. However, opposition members have raised concerns regarding the potential safety and environmental risks associated with nuclear energy. The government aims to have its inaugural research nuclear reactor operational within seven years, with plans to train approximately 400 individuals to work in this sector. While currently, 83% of El Salvador’s electricity is sourced from renewable energy, this new law indicates a strategic shift towards diversifying the national energy portfolio to include nuclear power.
El Salvador receives agricultural support from Central American bank
The Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) has approved a substantial grant of $725,000 earmarked for enhancing the agricultural product supply chain within El Salvador. This funding initiative, orchestrated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, will facilitate the acquisition of around 30 vehicles to improve the transport of products from farms to markets, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and minimising post-harvest losses. This project aims to provide Salvadoran families with improved access to fresh, high-quality agricultural produce at reasonable prices.
