Mexico’s Congress puts the National Guard under military command, despite criticism about deepening militarization. This second constitutional change in two weeks gives outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador a victory just before his exit.
The Senate approved this move after debating through the night, with the governing Morena party and its allies overcoming opposition from human rights organizations and the United Nations. They argue that the military will help the National Guard become a more effective security force, despite concerns about militarizing the country.
This decision is significant because López Obrador initially promised to reduce the military’s presence in the streets after taking office in 2018. However, now the military remains in control, and the 120,000-strong National Guard will be under its command. The National Guard was created in 2019 as a civilian security force but has been questioned due to its initial ties to the military police and command structure.
López Obrador’s trust in the military is notable, as he believes they are trustworthy and not corrupt. He has given them unprecedented responsibilities, including running airports, ports, customs, an airline, and building a tourist train around the Yucatan Peninsula.
Critics argue that this shift poses risks, particularly in terms of human rights and security. Mexican political scientist Ana Vanessa Cardenas fears it will lead to regression in security and human rights. She believes that soldiers are trained to fight external enemies, not protect citizens’ rights.
The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has expressed concerns about forced disappearances and impunity, while the Miguel Agustín Pro Juárez Human Rights Center warns that this move will normalize militarization in Mexico.
Security analyst David Saucedo suggests that the change only formalizes what already exists and believes that the National Guard’s effectiveness depends on its way of operating, which is more about deterrence presence than actual investigation or confrontation with criminal cells.
Overall, this decision raises questions about the consequences of putting the National Guard under military command, particularly regarding security, human rights, and the country’s level of militarization. While some argue it will improve the force’s effectiveness, others fear it will lead to further problems. The impact of this move on Mexico’s future remains uncertain.
Source: Yahoo News
