Death Of El Mencho
The death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes better known globally as “El Mencho,” has retaliated against Mexico. Mexico is under pressure to reshape the country’s security landscape and forcing them under a complex chain of political, economic, and social consequences. El Mencho has been a longtime leader of the Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) and forming to be one of the most powerful and violent criminal organizations in the world. CJNG influence extends far beyond Mexico. After his recent death during a military operation in Jalisco, Mexico has experienced both relief and retaliatory consequences.
Courtesy OfHUNI GAMING ( Flickr CC0 )
Retaliation From CJNG
Immediate retaliation from CJNG has been spotted amongst several states spiking violence. Authorities have stated roadblocks, vehicle burnings, and armed confrontations in the central side of Mexico. The Mexican police and military were seen deployed heavily on to Jalisco and other states of Mexico. Mexican officials are set out to prevent any retaliatory attacks and maintain order. The intensity of the retaliation continues as every hour passes. With the recent death of their leader, CJNG has struck out to create chaos and instability.
Communities that lived under the control of CJNG are experiencing an uncontrollable amount of fear for their safety. For many years communities that have lived under the control of the Cartel experienced extortion, forced recruitment, and territorial clashes. Mexican leaders are hoping that the CJNG will weaken without its leader. Other Mexican Citizens worry that other CJNG members within the organization could lead to a war amongst rival commanders and potentially increase violence rather than ending it.
The CJNG’s structure was a mixture of centralized authority and independent regional franchises. Even though El Mencho was the leader, other regional commanders held the keys to the methamphetamine and fentanyl trades. Security analysts warn that because of the absence of their leader an internal destabilization will happen. As other Cartel members seek control, the risk of the CJNG dissolving into an independent organization. The collapse of the Cartel would complicate counter-narcotics efforts. As Mexican operations focus on one single drug lord, other members seek cartel alliances.
The Mexican Government’s Thoughts
The federal government sees the death of the El Mencho as a milestone because of its strategic attack against organized crime. Officials argue that the death of the CJNG disrupts logistics, financial flows, and international partnerships. The Mexican military is facing backlash as retaliation unfolds. Critics are questioning whether a militarized approach alone can reduce the amount of violence that CJNG created. They’ve expressed the need for institutional reforms, anti-corruption measures, and strengthened local police.
The death of El Mencho has taken an economic blow. In some regions where CJNG had full control, forced businesses to pay protection fees. Many agricultural or industrial sectors were influenced by the Cartel’s power. The weakening of CJNG could reduce extortion in the long term and potentially encourage investments and restoring confidence. As of now that isn’t the case, as there have been multiple reports of disrupted transportation routes and local markets.
The death of El Mencho has drawn attention from the United States in which they had placed a multimillion-dollar bounty on him. After El Menchos death, the U.S. authorities are closely monitoring whether the narcotic trafficking will stop or merely just reorganize. Cooperation between Mexican and U.S. agencies might intensify especially within the intelligence sharing and financial tracking sector. There are still concerns that new leadership within CJNG could emerge and even with more aggressive tactics to maintain the rise of the market share.
Mexican Citizen’s Perspective
Families who’ve lost loved ones due to the CJNG violence see his death as a form of justice but still incomplete. Civil society groups have called for renewed focus on victims’ rights and long term strategies. For many Mexicans, the catastrophic event has sparked debate about the rising of organized crime which includes poverty, lack of opportunity, weak judicial institutions, and corruption. If the government doesn’t address these systemic issues, a new CJNG leader will rise in place of the one who has fallen.
For years El Mencho was portrayed to be untouchable, hence the rise of CJNG. His killing was set as an example to boost public morale, reinforcing the idea that no criminal leader is beyond the reach of authorities. The arrests and eliminations of CJNG leader has not ended their trafficking networks. CJNG has found loopholes and has reshaped their operations.
What Will Be Of Mexico
The next months to come, the whole world will be on the lookout to see if the Mexican government will be able to continue targeting financial networks, seizing assets, and protecting vulnerable communities. Only time will tell if Mexico will reform, or if another CJNG leader will immerse. As history has shown, Mexico’s success depends on just more than tactical wins but requires a foundation of stronger institutions to ensure lasting stability.
The death of the CJNG leader represents both an opportunity and a risk for Mexico. It might of removed a strong figure whose organization contributed to immense violence and drug trafficking, but it also raises question to how secure its Mexican citizens will be. Whether Mexico reforms their society or continues to face even more instability, will all depend on how efficient their new tactics will be. In order for Mexico to restabilize they have to change the tactics that allowed the CJNG to rise in the first place.
Sources:
NYTimes: Drug Lord ” El Mencho” Was Killed In Mexico
AXIOS: Mexico killed “El Mencho.” Here’s how and what we know about U.S. role
Featured Image Courtesy of HUNI GAMING’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of HUNI GAMING’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
