Bukele says El Salvador Safest Country in Western Hemisphere 

El Salvador ends 2024 with 114 homicides, a decrease from 6,656 killings recorded in 2015. With a homicide rate of just 1.9 per 100,000 people, President Nayib Bukele took to social media, stating that the figure released by the country’s attorney general on Wednesday makes El Salvador the safest country in the Western Hemisphere.

The sharp decline follows the 2022 launch of a state of emergency, which gave the government ‘special powers’ to combat violent gangs. Bukele’s crackdown has led to more than 83,000 arrests, though civil rights groups report 354 deaths in government custody.

Despite criticism, the crackdown has received widespread support for its impact on security. According to local reports, many citizens are now able to move freely without fear of gang violence. The country’s Congress continues to renew the ‘special powers’ each month.

The success of Bukele’s model, which includes militarised policing and social programs, has garnered international attention. Tech mogul Elon Musk praised it, suggesting it could be applied in the United States.

“Needs to happen and will happen in America,” stated Musk on X.

Meanwhile, Belize recorded 89 as of December 31, 2024. This is according to Police Commissioner Chester Williams.