Ecuador’s President Seeks International Military Aid to Combat Gangs

Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa requests support from the U.S., Europe, and Brazil to combat escalating gang violence, seeking to classify Ecuadorean gangs as terrorist groups. Despite a reduction in murder rates, violence remains high, prompting Noboa to pursue military cooperation agreements and constitutional changes to allow foreign military presence. His handling of security issues will be a critical factor in the upcoming electoral run-off against Luisa González.

Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa has called for military assistance from the United States, Europe, and Brazil to combat the rising influence of criminal gangs in the country. He urged U.S. President Donald Trump to classify Ecuadorean gangs as terrorist groups, similar to certain Mexican and Venezuelan cartels. Noboa affirmed that his administration would uphold Ecuadorian law despite its collaboration with Erik Prince, founder of the controversial private military firm, Blackwater.

In recent years, Ecuador has witnessed a significant surge in violence due to gangs vying for control over drug trafficking routes, given that a substantial portion of the world’s cocaine is funneled through its ports. While Noboa has expressed a desire for foreign military support, the aforementioned appeal to the U.S., Brazil, and Europe marks a distinct escalation in his strategy.

Addressing the escalating security crisis, Noboa’s administration has been characterized by a crackdown on gangs and militarization in urban areas. Despite a reported decrease in the murder rate by approximately 16% during his tenure, the homicide rate remains alarmingly high, demonstrating the challenges of his tactics. In January 2025, Ecuador recorded 781 homicides in just one month, a notable increase.

In a recent BBC interview, Noboa stated, “We need to have more soldiers to fight this war. Seventy percent of the world’s cocaine exits via Ecuador. We need the help of international forces.” His assertion reflects concerns that organized crime in Ecuador has transformed from local gangs into heavily armed, international narco-terrorist groups.

Noboa desires Trump’s designation of Ecuadorean gangs such as Los Lobos and Los Choneros as terrorist organizations, as it would empower U.S. law enforcement in addressing these threats. Furthermore, he has initiated diplomatic efforts to secure cooperation agreements with allied nations, seeking constitutional changes to permit foreign military bases in Ecuador again, to strengthen the national security response.

The former model of U.S. military involvement in Ecuador heightened scrutiny given Blackwater’s controversial past. Noboa has positioned Erik Prince’s involvement not as a call for mercenaries but a collaboration with specialized foreign military forces to address what he describes as a unique urban guerrilla warfare scenario.

Although some citizens support the president’s military alliances, many express concerns about potential human rights violations given Prince’s contentious history. Noboa acknowledges these fears but emphasizes that Ecuadorian laws must remain paramount and that security operations will be conducted legally.

The urgent need for international assistance is compounded by the socio-economic implications of drug trafficking, with Noboa stating that illicit activities generate around $30 billion, nearly 27% of Ecuador’s GDP. He argues for comprehensive global cooperation against transnational crime as the economies of Ecuador are less robust compared to drug-consuming countries.

Faced with escalating violence and rising unemployment, many Ecuadoreans are migrating north, with many traversing the perilous Darien Gap to reach the U.S. While Noboa is open to receiving Ecuadorean returnees from the U.S., he emphasizes the urgency of creating sustainable job opportunities within Ecuador to detour migration.

Noboa’s upcoming electoral run-off against Luisa González on April 13 presents a critical challenge, as perceptions of security and progress will likely determine his administration’s viability. Given the narrow margin in the first voting round, public opinion regarding his efforts against violence will be essential in the election’s outcome.

In summary, President Daniel Noboa is advocating for international military assistance to combat narcotics-related gang violence in Ecuador, emphasizing the need for support from the U.S., Europe, and Brazil. He aims to address this crisis legally and rigorously while also managing public concern over human rights issues. With significant economic implications linked to drug trafficking, Noboa urges global cooperation as his administration faces increasing pressure in the upcoming elections. His success will heavily depend on voter perceptions of progress in security and overall governance.

Original Source: www.bbc.com