Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa has announced a bold strategy to tackle the surge in organized crime and violence plaguing the nation. Ecuador has experienced more than 2,500 homicides in the first half of this year, the deadliest beginning to any year in this Andean country’s history. To that end, Noboa has been convening with foreign militaries to pursue the joint launch of anti-gang operations. Here’s an example of why that might matter: He wants U.S. forces to support engaging in this fight. He thinks that a “transnational war” approach is necessary to fight the gangs bent on destroying national security.
Noboa’s announcement follows his recent electoral victory, in which he won a clear victory over leftist candidate Luisa González. In his campaign, he focused especially on a hardline approach to security and revitalizing the economy stake. Ecuador is dealing with unprecedented levels of violence, and the organized crime research center InSight Crime recently reported that it has the highest homicide rate in Latin America—almost twice that of Mexico. Spurred into action by this criticism, Noboa is moving decisively to make good on his campaign pledges.
On the first point, to strengthen his case for privatizing the security forces, Noboa has joined forces with Erik Prince—the founder of Blackwater. This strategic alliance will substantially reinforce Noboa’s campaign. This partnership, Ecuadorian observers hope, will help to add more resources and experience to Ecuador’s burgeoning battle against organized crime. While he’s doing that, Noboa is trying to quickly establish a U.S. military presence in the country. He’s looking to establish a new naval facility in Manta, where U.S. troops would likely be based.
The president has already guaranteed his willingness to establish military bases in Ecuador. This step is part of broader efforts to tackle illegal activities such as drug trafficking, illegal fishing and illegal mining. He wants to see U.S. forces back in Ecuador to promote peace and security. This support would be consistent with U.S. operations at the now-closed Manta Air Base from 1999-2009.
In response to inquiries regarding future discussions with U.S. officials, Noboa affirmed, “Yes, I think sooner (rather) than later.” He addressed the need to bring together all of the plans talked about previously, now that he is in office. Noboa remarked on the necessity of tailored solutions for each nation’s unique challenges, stating, “My case is different than El Salvador’s case. We both respect each other. We both support each other, but at the same time, different realities.”
Ecuador has been looking for foreign military assistance for the last six months. The country has been facing increasing violence associated with organized crime syndicates. The country’s leadership considers this kind of collaboration critical in responding to what they claim is a national crisis.
Noboa is looking ahead to his May 24 inauguration. He’s already made headlines by sending out invitations to influential figures such as former U.S. President Donald Trump and El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele. The invitation is notable as it highlights Noboa’s desire to create multilateral international partnerships in his battle against crime.
