Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa has called for U.S., European, and Brazilian military assistance in combating local gangs. He urged Trump to classify Ecuadorean gangs as terrorist groups and announced intentions for constitutional changes to allow foreign military bases. Despite some success in reducing the murder rate, violence remains a critical issue as Noboa prepares for a contested election run-off.
Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa has expressed a strong desire for military support from the United States, Europe, and Brazil in the fight against criminal gangs. In an interview with the BBC, he called for U.S. President Donald Trump to label Ecuadorean gangs as terrorist organizations, following similar designations for cartels in Mexico and Venezuela. Noboa emphasized that his administration will continue to respect Ecuadorean law even as he collaborates with Erik Prince, a known ally of Trump and founder of the controversial military firm Blackwater.
Ecuador has experienced escalating violence as gangs vie for control of lucrative drug trafficking routes, with a significant portion of the world’s cocaine passing through its ports. Noboa’s call for international military assistance marks a notable shift as he previously mentioned seeking foreign aid to combat drug cartels. With a presidential run-off approaching on April 13, security remains a paramount concern for voters.
Under Noboa’s governance, there has been a reported 16% decrease in the murder rate from 2023 to 2024. However, the ongoing violence, which culminated in a record 781 killings in January 2025 alone, suggests a persistent challenge. Noboa remarked, “We need to have more soldiers to fight this war,” asserting that the problem extends beyond local capabilities.
He characterized Ecuadorean gangs as “international narco-terrorist” groups comprised of 14,000 armed individuals. Noboa expressed his hope that Trump will extend the terrorist designation to local gangs like Los Lobos and Los Choneros to enhance law enforcement efforts against them. The administration is actively seeking cooperation with allied nations and aims to amend the constitution to permit foreign military bases in Ecuador.
The proposal has raised concerns due to the complexities of international military involvement, especially as the U.S. previously maintained a military base in Ecuador until 2009. Noboa has sought to assure Ecuadoreans that any military collaboration will adhere to local laws. He underscored the importance of support from nations where drug consumption is prevalent, citing that cocaine trafficking and illegal mining contribute approximately $30 billion to Ecuador’s economy annually.
In addressing the issues of violence, Noboa has faced criticism for heavy-handed tactics, particularly following the treatment of four boys who were tragically found mutilated. He insisted that any misuse of military power must be dealt with accordingly while asserting that gang members have severely violated human rights.
In light of the increasing violence, Noboa’s political opponent, Luisa González, criticized his administration’s performance and urged voters to consider their unmet expectations. The president acknowledged that rising violence is typical during election cycles but insisted that Ecuador cannot combat drug-related crimes successfully without transnational collaboration.
To dissuade Ecuadoreans from migrating due to violence and economic uncertainty, Noboa advocates for job creation and training programs for returnees. While he sympathizes with those fleeing violence, he attributes the situation to inadequate prior security policies. Encouraging people to remain in Ecuador, Noboa contends that the nation is beginning to recover economically and urged them to stay for future improvements. Facing a tightly contested run-off, his handling of security issues will critically influence voter sentiment.
President Noboa’s appeal for international military cooperation underscores the urgent need for multifaceted support in addressing the pervasive gang violence plaguing Ecuador. His approach blends legal compliance with assertive strategies, aiming to stabilize the nation amid rising challenges. As the presidential run-off approaches, the electorate’s perception of his progress in combating crime will play a decisive role in determining his political fate. Ultimately, Noboa emphasizes collaboration and development as essential components of a broader strategy to mitigate violence and enhance economic opportunity.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
