In a recent interview, Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa urged the international community, including the US, Europe, and Brazil, to aid in combating the country’s rampant gang violence fueled by drug trafficking. With the upcoming presidential elections on the horizon, Noboa’s administration faces criticism over its heavy-handed tactics, even as the murder rate remains alarmingly high.
Ecuador's President Calls for International Military Support in Drug War
Ecuador's President Calls for International Military Support in Drug War
President Daniel Noboa requests assistance from US, European, and Brazilian forces to tackle escalating gang violence as drug trafficking surges through Ecuador.
Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa has made a bold appeal for foreign military support in his ongoing campaign against organized crime, particularly drug trafficking. Speaking with the BBC, Noboa emphasized the necessity for United States, European, and Brazilian armed forces to assist Ecuador in its battle against the escalating power of criminal gangs. He expressed a desire for US President Donald Trump to classify Ecuadorean gangs as terrorist organizations, akin to the designation applied to some Mexican and Venezuelan cartels.
Noboa's focus on this urgent issue comes as Ecuador struggles with a spike in violence, attributed largely to conflicts between rival gangs fighting for control of drug trade routes. The country has become a major conduit for global cocaine traffic, with a staggering 70% of the world's cocaine reportedly passing through its ports.
The president, who has been in office for 16 months, has framed his administration around a staunch crackdown on gang violence, employing military tactics that have sparked debates about their effectiveness and human rights implications. Although the murder rate saw a slight decline from 2023 to 2024, record numbers of killings have been reported, particularly in January 2025.
In his interview, Noboa stressed the need for more troops to combat gangs, stating that what began as local criminal factions have morphed into large "international narco-terrorist" outfits. He contended that the cooperation of allied countries is essential to bolster Ecuador's police and military capabilities.
Noboa has already initiated discussions aimed at forming agreements with allied nations and is seeking to amend the constitution to allow foreign military bases back into Ecuador, a policy previously banned in 2009 under former President Rafael Correa. However, he faces the challenge of assuring international leaders that intervention is mutually beneficial given the transnational nature of the drug trafficking issue.
While some Ecuadorians support Noboa's association with Erik Prince, a controversial figure linked to private military operations, others express concern over potential human rights violations. Noboa, however, affirms that all actions taken to address the crime epidemic must remain within the parameters of Ecuador's laws.
The upcoming presidential run-off on April 13 is central on citizens' minds, with security issues at the forefront of public concern. Noboa, who barely edged out left-wing challenger Luisa González in the initial vote, may find his support contingent on the populace’s perception of his handling of the gang crisis.
The president also indicated empathy for those leaving Ecuador due to violence and lack of opportunity but reiterated his belief that solutions lie in enhancing job prospects within the country. As he skillfully navigates foreign assistance proposals and domestic pressures, Noboa’s leadership remains a focal point during this pivotal electoral moment.
Noboa's focus on this urgent issue comes as Ecuador struggles with a spike in violence, attributed largely to conflicts between rival gangs fighting for control of drug trade routes. The country has become a major conduit for global cocaine traffic, with a staggering 70% of the world's cocaine reportedly passing through its ports.
The president, who has been in office for 16 months, has framed his administration around a staunch crackdown on gang violence, employing military tactics that have sparked debates about their effectiveness and human rights implications. Although the murder rate saw a slight decline from 2023 to 2024, record numbers of killings have been reported, particularly in January 2025.
In his interview, Noboa stressed the need for more troops to combat gangs, stating that what began as local criminal factions have morphed into large "international narco-terrorist" outfits. He contended that the cooperation of allied countries is essential to bolster Ecuador's police and military capabilities.
Noboa has already initiated discussions aimed at forming agreements with allied nations and is seeking to amend the constitution to allow foreign military bases back into Ecuador, a policy previously banned in 2009 under former President Rafael Correa. However, he faces the challenge of assuring international leaders that intervention is mutually beneficial given the transnational nature of the drug trafficking issue.
While some Ecuadorians support Noboa's association with Erik Prince, a controversial figure linked to private military operations, others express concern over potential human rights violations. Noboa, however, affirms that all actions taken to address the crime epidemic must remain within the parameters of Ecuador's laws.
The upcoming presidential run-off on April 13 is central on citizens' minds, with security issues at the forefront of public concern. Noboa, who barely edged out left-wing challenger Luisa González in the initial vote, may find his support contingent on the populace’s perception of his handling of the gang crisis.
The president also indicated empathy for those leaving Ecuador due to violence and lack of opportunity but reiterated his belief that solutions lie in enhancing job prospects within the country. As he skillfully navigates foreign assistance proposals and domestic pressures, Noboa’s leadership remains a focal point during this pivotal electoral moment.
