Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa has invited foreign armies to aid in combating increasing gang violence, particularly from the U.S., Europe, and Brazil. Amid unprecedented violence, Noboa has initiated discussions for military support, announced a controversial partnership with Erik Prince, and intensified a tough-on-crime approach as elections approach. Criticism of his methods grows amidst calls for international assistance.
President Daniel Noboa of Ecuador has publicly invited foreign armies to assist in combating rampant gang violence in the nation, particularly urging participation from the U.S., European, and Brazilian militaries. In an interview with the BBC, Noboa emphasized the necessity for additional armed forces to confront criminal groups, stating, “We have a plan in place with our law enforcement agencies, the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Defense, the Armed Forces, the Strategic Intelligence Center, and international assistance and support from special forces. That’s essential.”
Noboa’s administration has already initiated discussions regarding military support from foreign nations, particularly in high-crime provinces like Guayas, although he has not disclosed the specific countries engaged in these talks. Following an unprecedented rise in violence linked to gangs, including over 1,000 homicides this year alone, the Ecuadorian government has adopted several extraordinary measures. These have included a nationwide crackdown on gangs, preemptive pardons for law enforcement personnel, and the declaration of states of emergency.
Additionally, President Noboa announced a controversial partnership with Erik Prince, founder of the private military contractor Blackwater, intending to combat narcoterrorism and illegal fishing. This decision has met with criticism, particularly from former army commander Luis Altamirano, who described the partnership as “deplorable.” Noboa has defended this association, stating that Ecuador’s laws must be upheld.
As Ecuador approaches a crucial run-off presidential vote, Noboa has intensified his tough stance on crime, which has drawn negative feedback from human rights groups and political opponents. His critics accuse him of fostering an environment of fear. Noboa has categorized various gangs as terrorist organizations and has urged U.S. President Biden to adopt a similar stance. Since 2018, the U.S. State Department has allocated $81 million to aid Ecuador in its struggle against organized crime and narcotics, and an existing agreement allows for the deployment of U.S. military and civilian personnel as necessitated.
In summary, Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa has solicited international military assistance to address severe gang violence in the country, aiming for support primarily from the U.S., Europe, and Brazil. Despite the engagement of private contractors and foreign troops, Noboa’s increasingly aggressive tactics have elicited skepticism and criticism within Ecuador, particularly in light of upcoming elections. The situation remains critical as Noboa’s administration grapples with unprecedented levels of violence and seeks effective strategies to regain control.
Original Source: www.wral.com
