Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa has partnered with Erik Prince of Blackwater to enhance the country’s fight against organized crime and narcotrafficking. This alliance aims to address rising violence but has faced criticism due to Blackwater’s controversial history and concerns over human rights abuses.
Ecuador’s president, Daniel Noboa, has forged a controversial alliance with Erik Prince, the founder of the private military firm Blackwater, to enhance his government’s efforts against crime. Noboa, who is campaigning for re-election, announced this partnership on social media, stating, “We [have] established a strategic alliance to strengthen our capabilities in the fight against narco-terrorism and to protect our waters from illegal fishing.”
The president depicted this alliance as part of his aggressive approach to combat organized crime, which he claims has instilled fear among the public. He noted the increasing flow of international assistance to Ecuador, emphasizing that the time for criminals is running out. Noboa’s announcement followed a decision to offer a $1 million reward for the capture of notorious drug lord José Adolfo Macías Villamar, also known as “Fito.”
The partnership aims to address the challenges posed by domestic gangs and foreign drug cartels. Ecuador’s strategic positioning between Colombia and Peru, both major cocaine producers, has transformed it into a drug trafficking hub, which Noboa described as a “superhighway” for illegal substances. He reiterated the severity of the situation, saying, “We are at war and we are fighting against people who are heavily armed and organised.”
However, Noboa’s approach has faced criticism, particularly concerning allegations of human rights abuses associated with his crackdown. Critics are alarmed by Prince’s involvement, given Blackwater’s controversial history, including the 2007 killing of civilians in Iraq. Local attorney Marlon Martínez Molina questioned whether Noboa aimed to introduce paramilitarism into Ecuador by bringing in foreign mercenaries, while activist Soledad Angus Freré warned of dire consequences, claiming, “We’re going straight off the cliff.”
The announcement of this military partnership is a tactical move ahead of the impending run-off against his leftwing competitor, Luisa González, and underscores Noboa’s commitment to presenting himself as a tough-on-crime leader amid rising violence in Ecuador.
In summary, Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa has established a notable partnership with Erik Prince of Blackwater to confront crime and narco-terrorism. This move aims to enhance security in a nation grappling with escalating violence and organized crime. However, this strategy is controversial, raising concerns over potential human rights violations and the introduction of mercenary forces.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
