Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa has expressed a desire for military assistance from the United States, Europe, and Brazil to combat criminal gangs in his country. He has also urged former US President Donald Trump to classify Ecuadorian gangs as terrorist organizations, similar to the designation given to certain Mexican and Venezuelan cartels.
Noboa emphasized that Ecuadorian law would be upheld in his collaboration with Erik Prince, a Trump ally and founder of the private military company Blackwater. Violence in Ecuador has escalated as gangs vie for control over drug trafficking routes, with a significant portion of the world's cocaine passing through Ecuadorian ports.
This marks the first time Noboa has specifically requested military aid from the US, Brazil, and Europe to address the drug cartel issue. Security remains a critical concern for voters as Ecuador approaches a presidential run-off election on April 13. Noboa's tenure has been characterized by a strong stance against gangs, including militarizing streets and prisons, though some critics argue his methods are overly aggressive.
During his presidency, the murder rate fell by about 16% from 2023 to 2024, yet it remains significantly higher than in previous years. January 2025 saw a record 781 homicides in a single month. In a BBC interview, Noboa stated, "We need more soldiers to fight this war," highlighting that 70% of the world's cocaine exits through Ecuador and international support is crucial.
He described the gangs as "international narco-terrorist" groups with 14,000 armed members. Trump's designation of some Latin American cartels as terrorist groups has empowered US law enforcement, and Noboa hopes for a similar stance on Ecuadorian gangs. He has directed the foreign ministry to pursue cooperation agreements with allied nations to bolster Ecuador's police and military and is seeking parliamentary approval to amend the constitution to allow foreign military bases in Ecuador once more.
Noboa's challenge is to persuade leaders like Trump and European officials, where many drugs are destined, that it is in their interest to combat cartels and drug trafficking. On his alliance with Erik Prince, Noboa stated, "We're fighting an unconventional, urban guerilla war. He has the experience. He's advising our armed forces, our police." While some support this move, others are concerned about Prince's controversial past and potential human rights abuses.
Noboa insists that Ecuadorian laws must be respected and warfare conducted legally, noting that cartels have committed severe human rights violations. Last year, his hardline approach faced criticism after four boys were arrested by soldiers and later found mutilated and burned. Noboa stated those soldiers are in custody pending investigation and vowed to hold those responsible accountable.
Despite the record number of killings in January, Noboa defends his strategy, citing an imbalance between the military's 35,000 troops and the gangs' 40,000 armed members. His left-wing opponent, Luisa González, criticized his unfulfilled campaign promises, arguing that violence typically rises before elections in Ecuador. Noboa contends that Ecuador cannot tackle this issue alone, as it is a transnational crime requiring a coordinated security policy.
He argues that Ecuador's economy is smaller than those in Europe or the US, where most drugs are consumed, and that drug trafficking and illegal mining contribute significantly to Ecuador's GDP. Noboa calls on countries with high cocaine consumption, like the UK, to do more to address the issue, emphasizing the violence and misery linked to the drug trade.
Violence and post-pandemic unemployment have driven many Ecuadorians to migrate northward, becoming one of the top nationalities crossing the dangerous Darien Gap. Noboa is open to accepting returning Ecuadorian migrants from the US, offering them technical training and a minimum wage for three months. He believes the solution lies in creating job opportunities within Ecuador.
While empathizing with those fleeing violence, Noboa attributes the situation to a historical lack of strong security policies. His message to Ecuadorians is to stay and witness positive changes, as inflation decreases, companies hire, and the economy recovers. Noboa will face González in the upcoming run-off election, with security being the primary concern for voters. The outcome may hinge on whether Ecuadorians feel sufficient progress has been made.