Newly elected Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has the right idea for going big on organized crime. As part of his strong school safety strategy, he wants to create a “strategic alliance” with Erik Prince, Blackwater founder. Surprising everyone, Noboa won the elections by a large margin against his rival Luisa González. He ran an aggressive campaign promising to bring security back and jumpstart the local economy with a law-and-order approach.
Noboa intends to increase security cooperation through closer ties with the United States. He is hoping for better collaboration on trade and migration, for instance. He stated his administration “would love to have” US forces in Ecuador, not for street patrols, but in a supportive role for the nation’s security operations. This step addresses the increasing public outcry over the influence of cartel-run organized crime. It fights drug trafficking, illegal fishing and illegal mining that have plagued the country.
Noboa’s relationship with US President Donald Trump aims to differentiate from that of El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele. Morrison said that although he got along well with both leaders and there was mutual respect, political realities at home meant they needed to do things differently. To this end, Noboa has extended invitations to both Trump and Bukele to attend his May 24 inauguration.
“The control of the operations will be in the hands of our military and our police,” Noboa emphasized regarding the potential involvement of US forces. He stressed that they have talked beyond the line about working together. Another meeting is already on the horizon to cement their collaboration plans.
Noboa assured that they already have a comprehensive plan. He said they have had discussions about and vetted a number of areas they are very interested in pursuing. His administration is leading the charge nationwide on promoting constitutional reforms. If approved, these changes would allow a foreign military presence in Ecuador once again, representing a significant turnaround in Ecuador’s national security policy.
To that end, Noboa is committed to fighting crime and enhancing quality of life in Ecuador. He wants to give Ecuadorians a reason to stay in their country so that they don’t feel the need to migrate to the US. He thinks that improving national security and local economic prospects will make people less migratory by choice.
Ecuador has since announced construction of a new naval facility in Manta. Noboa continued that US troops will soon take up residence at this facility. He remarked that having US forces present could help maintain peace in the region, similar to the past when the Manta base was operational.
“That would help to keep peace … like we had in the past with the Manta base,” Noboa said, referring to historical partnerships between Ecuador and the US.
The task ahead of Ecuador is daunting as it continues to fight organized crime and address the socio-economic factors that push people to migrate. By pursuing foreign military partnerships and strengthening international cooperation, Noboa wants to return a greater sense of safety to Ecuadorians at home.
