Ecuador’s President Forms Alliance with Erik Prince for Crime Crackdown

Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa has allied with Erik Prince, founder of Blackwater, to reinforce his anti-crime strategy. This partnership, announced on social media, aims to confront narco-terrorism and illegal fishing. Response to this collaboration has been mixed, with concerns regarding human rights violations and militarization in Ecuador as Noboa seeks re-election amid rising crime rates.

Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa has formed a controversial “strategic alliance” with Erik Prince, the founder of the infamous private military firm, Blackwater, to intensify an ongoing crackdown on crime. Announcing the partnership on social media, Noboa stated their goal is to enhance capabilities against narco-terrorism and illegal fishing, portraying his regime as decisive in combating organized crime, which he claims has operated with impunity.

The partnership is seen as a move to strengthen Noboa’s image ahead of the upcoming presidential run-off against leftwing candidate Luisa González. Recently, his government offered a substantial reward for information leading to the capture of a notorious drug lord, underscoring Noboa’s hardline stance against gangs and drug cartels that have destabilized Ecuador, turning it into a criminal “superhighway.”

Noboa emphasized the significance of the conflict, stating, “We are at war and we are fighting against people who are heavily armed, organized…” His policies, initiated in January 2024, aimed to restore order in a nation previously viewed as one of South America’s safest. However, criticisms have arisen regarding human rights violations associated with these crackdowns.

The involvement of Erik Prince has incited widespread concern, considering Blackwater’s controversial history, including the 2007 killing of civilians in Iraq. This has raised fears about a potential increase in militarization and paramilitary tactics in Ecuador. Prominent voices, including lawyer Marlon Martínez Molina and author Cristina Burneo, have expressed alarm over the implications of this alliance, fearing further descent into violence.

Activists like Soledad Angus Freré have echoed these sentiments, portraying the partnership as a disastrous choice that could lead Ecuador towards greater unrest.

In summary, President Daniel Noboa’s partnership with Erik Prince seeks to strengthen Ecuador’s efforts against crime and narco-terrorism. However, this move raises significant concerns regarding human rights and the potential for increased violence in the country. As Noboa faces re-election, the implications of involving a controversial figure like Prince in national security strategies have sparked outrage and anxiety among Ecuadorians, highlighting a turbulent path ahead for the nation.

Original Source: www.theguardian.com