2024 Expected to end the year with a slight decline in homicides

QCOSTARICA — If the average number of homicides in the last four months of the year continues, the year will end with a slight decrease in the number of homicides compared to last year.

However, it is also a fact that the ongoing battle between drug gangs for territory and smuggling routes in Costa Rica is far from over.

With an average of 2.3 murders per day between January 1 and September 10, Costa Rica would end the year with approximately 864 murders, compared to 907 in 2023.

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Despite the reduction, it would be the second-worst record in history.

“Amid a critical situation arising from insecurity, targeting killings and especially those linked to contract killings, (sicariato in Spanish)it is important to note that the police and the government are doing their best. The police are the fourth most valued institution within the government and are doing everything they can to contain the problem,” said Mario Zamora, Minister of Security.

The media has focused heavily in recent weeks on a number of killings, including several in bars, in which people who were not targeted have also died.

Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves has repeatedly stated that the security problem will not be solved until sentences are tougher and those who should be in prison have served their sentences.

Chaves pointed out that persons with serious criminal records should not be released pending trial or under any form of precautionary measures.

Can the government solve the problem of insecurity?

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The vast majority of Costa Ricans have little to no confidence that the government of Rodrigo Chaves will solve the problem of insecurity caused by organized crime and drug trafficking.

The latest survey by the Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR), conducted between Monday 2 and Friday 6 September, with a margin of error of 3%, shows that Costa Ricans have little confidence (30%) or no confidence (39%) that the government of Rodrigo Chaves will solve the problem of insecurity.

Next to Insecurity and crimeCosta Ricans are also concerned about corruption, bad government management, cost of living, the current economic situationAnd unemployment.