Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa has requested military assistance from the US, Europe, and Brazil to combat gang violence. He aims for Ecuadorean gangs to be labeled as terrorist groups by the US. Despite a 16% drop in murder rates, violence remains high. Noboa’s strategies are under scrutiny as he prepares for a presidential run-off election on April 13 amid a growing public safety crisis.
Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa has called for military support from the US, Europe, and Brazil to combat rising gang violence in his country. During an interview with the BBC, he expressed his desire for US President Trump to classify Ecuadorean gangs as terrorist organizations, similar to actions taken against certain Latin American cartels. Noboa emphasized respect for Ecuadorean law in light of his collaboration with Erik Prince, an associate of Trump, known for his controversial private military company, Blackwater.
The surge in violence in Ecuador largely stems from gang battles over drug trafficking routes, with the country acting as a major transit point for cocaine. Noboa has previously sought foreign military assistance to address drug cartels, marking this as the first instance he specifically named the US, Brazil, and Europe. Addressing voters ahead of the April 13 presidential run-off, he highlighted the importance of security.
During his presidency, Noboa has pursued aggressive policies against gangs, including militarizing public spaces and prisons. Despite a reported 16% decrease in the murder rate between 2023 and 2024, violence levels remain concerning. At one point in January 2025, the number of killings reached a record monthly high, highlighting the ongoing crisis. He 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.”
Noboa characterized Ecuadorean gangs as “international narco-terrorist” entities, emphasizing their organized nature and extensive firepower. He expressed hope that Trump would designate local gangs, such as Los Lobos and Los Choneros, as terrorist groups, which would enhance US law enforcement’s capability to combat them. The president has initiated efforts to form international cooperation agreements for assistance in combating crime, including potential amendments to constitutional laws regarding military bases in Ecuador.
While Noboa seeks collaborations, he must convince foreign leaders of the mutual benefits of a united front against drug trafficking. His ties with Erik Prince, who has experience in unconventional warfare, have raised concerns among critics. Noboa clarified that he is not seeking mercenaries but rather support from special forces of allied countries. Concerns remain regarding the potential for rights abuses as a result of such collaborations.
The situation escalated last year when four boys were found dead after alleged misconduct involving soldiers, which further ignited criticism of Noboa’s stringent methods. While he insists on proportional responses from armed forces, public opinion remains divided about the effectiveness of his approach in curbing violence. Opponents highlight that promises made during the previous election cycle have not materialized quickly enough.
As violence persists in the lead-up to elections, Noboa reiterated the need for international cooperation against transnational crime. He noted that while cartels from various countries collaborate, there is a lack of a unified security policy among nations confronting drug violence. Given that drug trafficking represents a significant portion of Ecuador’s GDP, Noboa called for more accountability from drug-consuming nations, such as the UK, to mitigate the problem stemming from their demand.
Economic factors have also driven many Ecuadoreans to migrate, often via dangerous routes. Noboa has indicated readiness to repatriate Ecuadorean migrants from the US and provide them with training to reintegrate into the economy. He urged those considering leaving to stay and assured them of positive economic developments, stating that reductions in inflation and increased job creation signal recovery in the nation.
In conclusion, Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa is intensifying efforts to combat violent crime by seeking international military support from the US and European nations. His call for collaboration reflects both the severity of the ongoing gang violence and his struggles to address public safety effectively. As the upcoming elections approach, the effectiveness of his strategies will be critically evaluated by voters concerned with national security and economic recovery.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
