in a referendum on proposals to tighten security in response to a surge in violence by drugs gangs. it comes as officials say that a prison warden was murdered in ecuador on sunday. measures include the expansion ofjoint military and police patrols, they'll also significantly boost gun controls, tightening regulations, and impose harsher prison sentences for "terrorism" and drug trafficking. ecuadoreans wanted abroad for organised crime—related offences could be extradited if the constitutional changes are passed. as he voted, president daniel noboa said the outcome would define state policy in fighting violence, corruption and organised crime. he declared a state of emergency injanuary and sent the army to take control of prisons, after a gang leader escaped. civilians in the north of niger celebrated reports that the united states is set to withdraw troops from two bases in the country, in consultation with the ruling militaryjunta. hundreds of people marched