Feb 27 • 07:10 UTC 🇩🇪 Germany FAZ

After the Death of 'El Mencho': The Power of the Cartels Remains Unbroken

The death of 'El Mencho' illustrates Mexico's capabilities, but without structural reforms, the blow against the CJNG cartel will be fruitless.

The death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as 'El Mencho' and the leader of the Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), is a significant event that highlights Mexico's response to cartel violence. Although the U.S. government, including figures like Donald Trump, preferred a more dramatic capture or extradition of Oseguera, his death in an encounter with Mexican security forces was nonetheless acknowledged as a milestone in the ongoing battle against cartel influence. The incident draws attention to the effectiveness—or lack thereof—of Mexico's strategies in combating organized crime.

However, experts warn that the death of a single cartel leader may not impact the overall power dynamics of the CJNG or the broader cartel landscape in Mexico. While the event is portrayed as a victory, it underlines the ongoing challenges that Mexican authorities face in dismantling entrenched criminal organizations. The news raises critical questions about the necessity of comprehensive structural reforms within the Mexican security and justice systems to ensure lasting progress in the fight against drug cartels.

The implications of Oseguera's death reach beyond immediate law enforcement victories; they reflect a persistent cycle where one leader is replaced by another, perpetuating the violence and instability in regions affected by cartel activities. Without significant changes and investments in systemic reforms, it appears that the fight against organizations like the CJNG will continue to present substantial challenges for Mexican authorities.

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