At the 79th United Nations General Assembly, El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele portrayed his nation as a beacon of security amidst global chaos. He emphasized the drastic improvements in safety, dubbing El Salvador a "sanctuary" in an increasingly insecure world. "Some say we've imprisoned thousands, but the truth is we've liberated millions," Bukele defended his aggressive security policies.
Highlighting his country's rapid progress, Bukele stated, "Today, the world is looking at El Salvador's example and wondering, 'How can a country rise so quickly?' But perhaps the real question should be, 'Why is the rest of the world falling so fast?'" He confidently declared, "As El Salvador has grown safer, the world has become more dangerous," during his address to the UN assembly.
Electoral Triumph and Security Strategy
In the February elections, Bukele secured a sweeping victory, ensuring his presidency until June 1, 2029. The 42-year-old former mayor and businessman has garnered widespread support for his stringent measures against gang violence, significantly reducing crime rates in communities. Bukele is the first Salvadoran president to be re-elected since democracy was established in the country.
Controversial Measures and Human Rights Concerns
During his more than four years in office, the last two under a state of emergency that suspended constitutional rights, Bukele's war on the notorious gangs has resulted in over 75,000 incarcerations. This aggressive stance has led to a dramatic drop in street homicides. However, human rights organizations such as Human Rights Watch have reported that thousands of these detainees were unjustly imprisoned, facing trials without due process, and subjected to mistreatment, torture, disappearances, and even deaths.
Full Address by Nayib Bukele at the UN
Nayib Bukele's speech at the UN was a bold declaration of his government's achievements and a critique of global instability. His narrative painted El Salvador as a model of resilience and security, contrasting sharply with the increasing dangers worldwide.